Israeli PM Netanyahu Dismisses Defense Minister Gallant Amid ‘Crisis of Trust’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” between the two leaders.

In a statement, Netanyahu explained that his confidence in Gallant had “eroded” over recent months. Foreign Minister Israel Katz will step in as the new defense minister, Netanyahu confirmed.

Gallant responded with a brief post on social media, asserting that “the security of the state of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.”

Netanyahu elaborated that, in the middle of an ongoing conflict, complete trust is essential between the prime minister and defense minister. “While this trust was strong and productive during the early months of the campaign, recent months have revealed significant cracks,” he said.

According to Netanyahu, “gaps” emerged between him and Gallant regarding the management of the military campaign. He cited statements and actions from Gallant that, in his view, contradicted the government and cabinet’s decisions. Attempts to mend the relationship ultimately failed, he noted, adding that “our enemies took advantage of these divisions.”

Katz will succeed Gallant, with Gideon Sa’ar stepping into Katz’s former role as foreign minister.

Netanyahu and Gallant have a history of tension. Last March, Netanyahu initially dismissed Gallant after they disagreed over proposed judicial reforms, but he later rescinded the decision following widespread protests in Israeli cities.

This past May, Gallant publicly expressed frustration with the government’s lack of a post-war plan for Gaza. He had urged Netanyahu to clarify that Israel does not intend to assume civilian and military control in Gaza, a position that underscored divisions within Israel’s war cabinet. Gallant stated, “Since October, I have consistently raised this issue in the cabinet without any response.”

Netanyahu responded at the time, saying he was “not prepared to trade Hamastan for Fatahstan,” alluding to the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.