Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing a “crisis of trust”, and appointed his close ally Israel Katz to lead military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The decision comes amid heightened tensions and signals a strategic shift within Israel’s government.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political alliances over national security, particularly as Israel braces for potential Iranian retaliation following its recent airstrikes on Iranian targets. Following Gallant’s dismissal, protesters blocked highways and ignited bonfires across Israel, according to police reports.
In other shifts, Netanyahu appointed Gideon Saar as foreign minister, succeeding Katz in the role. Gallant’s strained relationship with Netanyahu, stemming from prolonged disagreements over Israel’s goals in its 13-month war in Gaza, had deepened within the Likud party. However, the timing of his dismissal, aligning with the U.S. presidential election, took many by surprise.
Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon have intensified following the deaths of high-ranking commanders in both Hamas and Hezbollah. Netanyahu explained Gallant’s removal, stating that his remarks had “contradicted government and cabinet decisions.” In response, Gallant asserted, “The security of the state of Israel always was and will always remain my life’s mission.” Katz pledged to prioritize the rescue of hostages held in Gaza and vowed the complete dismantling of Hamas and Hezbollah.
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As foreign minister, Katz previously barred U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel, citing a failure to condemn Iran’s missile attacks. Recently, Katz also opposed U.S. and French suggestions for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Political analyst Gayil Talshir from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem speculated that Gallant’s recent issuance of 7,000 draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Haredi men marked a turning point, intensifying pressure within Netanyahu’s coalition. Meanwhile, coalition minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported the dismissal, arguing that Gallant’s approach lacked a decisive commitment to victory.
Northern Gaza Airstrikes and Escalating Casualties
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel issued evacuation orders and launched fresh airstrikes in northern Gaza, with Palestinian sources reporting 35 fatalities. U.N. aid official Joyce Msuya condemned the strikes, noting the severe humanitarian toll on Palestinians, many of whom lack essentials and face repeated displacement.
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Israeli forces struck various targets across Gaza, including areas in Beit Lahiya, resulting in 20 deaths and extensive destruction. The Israeli military stated that its operations targeted “terrorist infrastructure,” with troops locating weapons in southern Rafah.
Leaflets in Arabic, dropped over Beit Lahiya, instructed remaining residents to evacuate to avoid the risks of staying in conflict zones. Israel maintains that these evacuations aim to safeguard civilians, while Palestinian sources contend they are part of Israel’s strategy to establish buffer zones.
Over a year of warfare has led to more than 43,300 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza health authorities. Hostilities escalated following a Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the capture of 251 hostages.
