{"id":25709,"date":"2024-11-06T12:33:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T10:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=25709"},"modified":"2024-11-06T22:04:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T20:04:31","slug":"protests-erupt-across-israel-after-netanyahu-fires-defense-minister-gallant-over-disagreements-on-gaza-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/protests-erupt-across-israel-after-netanyahu-fires-defense-minister-gallant-over-disagreements-on-gaza-war\/","title":{"rendered":"Protests erupt across Israel after Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Gallant over disagreements on Gaza war"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

4 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protests erupted across Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The dismissal, announced on November 5, 2024, was reportedly due to a \u201ccrisis of trust\u201d between the two leaders<\/strong> amid Israel\u2019s\u00a0wars on multiple fronts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gallant\u2019s removal is only the latest episode in a turbulent relationship between the two officials, who have long disagreed on Israel\u2019s military and domestic policies. Netanyahu explained that trust had \u201ceroded\u201d between him and Gallant during the wartime. The firing has sparked outrage, with thousands of Israelis pouring into the streets, particularly in Tel Aviv, to demand Netanyahu\u2019s resignation and call for a prioritized resolution to Israel\u2019s hostage crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This firing notably centers on a disagreement involving three key issues: Gallant\u2019s support for potential \u201cpainful concessions\u201d to retrieve hostages held by Hamas, his belief in the necessity of universal military service for Israel\u2019s Ultra-Orthodox population, and his advocacy for a comprehensive inquiry to assess Israel\u2019s response to the 7 October Hamas attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following his dismissal, Gallant took to social media, reiterating that \u201cthe security of the state of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Israeli<\/a>
A handout photo released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office on October 26, 2024, shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF commanders in the bunker below the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. (Image Credit: Avi Ohayun\/GPO)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One of Gallant\u2019s core disagreements with Netanyahu revolved around his approach to securing the return of hostages held by Hamas. Gallant suggested that Israel might have to make \u201cpainful concessions,\u201d which he believes Israel can \u201ccarry\u201d and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) can \u201cbear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This view was seen as a departure from Netanyahu\u2019s harder stance and sparked disagreement within the government. A group representing the families of hostages captured in the October attack publicly condemned Gallant\u2019s removal, calling it a \u201ccontinuation of efforts to torpedo a release deal.\u201d The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the incoming defense minister, Israel Katz, to make the release of hostages a \u201cpriority mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who is set to take over Gallant\u2019s role, is known for his active stance on military matters, leading some to speculate that his approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza will be less inclined toward compromise. Katz\u2019s initial public statement expressed a strong commitment to \u201cthe return of all the abductees as the most important value mission\u201d alongside other objectives, such as defeating Hamas, curbing Hezbollah, and countering Iranian influence in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Nationwide protests<\/strong> erupt in Israel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to Gallant\u2019s firing, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other major cities. The protesters blocked traffic on the city\u2019s main highway, some lighting fires and clashing with police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demonstrations spread to Jerusalem and other parts of the country, with people holding signs reading \u201cWe deserve better leaders\u201d and \u201cLeaving no one behind,\u201d referring to the hostages still held in Gaza. Many protesters voiced frustration at what they perceived as the government\u2019s mishandling of the war in Gaza and criticized Netanyahu\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udea8\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf1 JUST NOW: MASSIVE PROTESTS in ISRAEL are still taking place against Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com\/e0yBDMdeW5<\/a><\/p>— Jackson Hinkle \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@jacksonhinklle) November 5, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>