Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant Fired Amid Gaza Conflict

Yoav Galant, the former Israeli Defense Minister, urged the⁤ government to take immediate action to return prisoners from the Gaza Strip ⁣”alive,” emphasizing the need ⁣for all Israelis to perform military ⁤service.

Gallant made these remarks in a speech after being removed from office ⁣by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He stressed ⁢that the government’s obligation is to return the‌ hostages quickly ​while they are still alive.

Gallant also emphasized the importance of mandatory military ‍service for all Israelis, including religious Jews who were previously ⁤exempt.⁣ He believes that everyone of conscription age should ⁢join the military.

Reasons Behind the Dismissal

Gallant confirmed that his dismissal was due to disagreements over three key⁣ issues. The ‌first issue was related to conscription, as he believed that everyone of conscription age should join the⁣ military.

The second disagreement was related to his‍ insistence on returning Israeli prisoners to the Gaza Strip as soon⁤ as possible, which he ⁤believed could be achieved with some concessions.

The‌ third disagreement was related to his insistence on forming⁤ a ⁤government inquiry agency ​to investigate the events that occurred after October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu’s Decision to Fire Gallant

Netanyahu announced Gallant’s dismissal on Tuesday evening, citing a ⁢lack of trust in his handling of the ongoing military⁢ operation. Netanyahu stated that the crisis of trust between them had made it ⁣impossible to continue conducting the war in the same way.

Following Gallant’s dismissal, Netanyahu appointed⁤ Foreign Minister Israel Katz as the new Defense‌ Minister and National Right Party chief Gideon​ Sarr as the new Foreign Minister.

According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu informed Gallant of his decision ⁢to fire him just⁣ 10 minutes before the official statement was published. The firing call between them reportedly lasted only 3 minutes.

Domestic Reactions to ​Gallant’s ⁤Dismissal

Netanyahu’s decision to fire Gallant sparked mixed⁣ domestic reactions, with fierce criticism and thousands of protesters taking to the streets to reject⁤ the decision. The occupation army continues⁣ its military operation in the Gaza ‍Strip, ​which has ​expanded ⁤into⁣ Lebanon.