Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, saying there is a “crisis of trust” between them. Gallant was dismissed amid disagreements over the war strategy in Gaza, which have caused protests in Tel Aviv and opposition from politicians. Foreign Minister Israel Katz will replace Gallant as defence minister, while Gideon Sa’ar will take over Katz’s foreign ministry portfolio.

Protests Over Gallant’s Sacking

Gallant’s dismissal has sparked massive protests, as protesters stormed Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway Tuesday night. Political opposition leaders assailed the move, appealing to people to hit the streets in droves to protest Netanyahu for sacking the defence minister at the height of the war. The critics said that Netanyahu would shoot down all possibilities of a deal that would see hostage takers Hamas getting their captives and walking them out.

Divided on Gaza Policy

Netanyahu and Gallant had clashed on a few key issues. Gallant insisted that the priority over a military strike in Gaza must be hostage negotiations with Hamas, which Netanyahu opposed. Gallant also attacked the continued granting of an exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox Israelis, which some members of the far-right coalition opposing Netanyahu’s government also opposed. Gallant had demanded a national inquiry into Israel’s military policy.

Policy of the New Defense Minister

  Israel Katz, who will take Gallant’s place, has much to say regarding his hawkish attitude about military policy. Katz threatened to keep the hardline policy of Israel in Gaza and will be strong with Netanyahu’s policy to demolish Hamas. Katz will not agree to the idea of “Hamastan for Fatahstan”, as said Netanyahu regarding rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.

Tensions with the US and a politically susceptible timing End

Gallant’s sacking had a critical political impact on his timing; the timing of the US Presidential election will determine whether a better or worse Israel relationship moment takes place with its closest ally. Gallant was said to be more amenable and close to Washington than his predecessor, Netanyahu. Tensions abound about changing the level of support.

The White House National Security Council reported high cooperation from Gallant toward its Israeli counterpart while demanding continuous support from Israel’s defence minister.

Observers note growing political pressure on Netanyahu by right-wing factions, which require more extended military exemption opportunities for ultra-Orthodox citizens, possibly one of the political reasons why Netanyahu transferred Gallant.

The sacking of Gallant as an expression of growing rifts within the government of Israel over the war and policy of its military has spoken well to increasing public pressure on Netanyahu. The overall developments have already set an uncertain atmosphere around Israel’s defence policy change.