In a major political shake-up, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” that had developed over recent months. This decision comes amid an ongoing war and heightened internal tensions within the Israeli government. Netanyahu has appointed Israel Katz, a long-time ally and current Foreign Minister, to replace Gallant in the role of Defense Minister, while Gideon Saar, former Minister of Justice, has been appointed as the new Foreign Minister.
The decision marks a significant shift in the Israeli Cabinet as Gallant and Netanyahu’s relationship continued to deteriorate since the outbreak of war on October 7. Netanyahu noted in a video statement that while initial collaboration during the war was positive, trust had eroded due to disagreements over wartime strategies and Gallant’s public remarks that contradicted Cabinet decisions. Netanyahu also accused Gallant of indirectly benefiting Israel’s adversaries by allowing political disagreements to reach public and enemy knowledge.
The Prime Minister’s office issued a formal letter to Gallant on Tuesday evening, stating that his tenure would end within 48 hours. In response, Gallant, who had recently authorized the drafting of 7,000 additional Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), issued a brief statement reaffirming his lifelong dedication to Israel’s security. Gallant’s dismissal could also pave the way for Netanyahu’s proposed exemptions for Haredi conscription into the IDF, a contentious issue that Gallant had reportedly opposed.
Israel Katz’s appointment as Defense Minister comes with substantial experience and a history of loyalty to Netanyahu. As Foreign Minister, Katz gained international attention for his vocal criticism of foreign leaders and organizations, notably the United Nations. He led efforts to curb the influence of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Israel and recently declared UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “persona non grata” after Guterres’ remarks on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Taking over Katz’s former role, Gideon Saar brings years of political experience, having served as Education and Interior Minister under Netanyahu in previous Cabinets. A former Likud member, Saar founded the New Hope party in 2019 and later allied with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White in the National Unity alliance. Following the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war, Saar’s faction joined Netanyahu’s coalition, where he served as a Minister without portfolio and an observer in the Israeli war cabinet.
This Cabinet reshuffle reflects the internal pressures within Netanyahu’s government as it navigates both external conflict and domestic political challenges. Netanyahu’s swift changes in leadership signal his intent to consolidate support within his Cabinet during a critical period for Israel’s security and political landscape.
