Netanyahu delays firing of dissenting Defence Minister Gallant
Al JazeeraNov 22, 2022
Netanyahu Fires Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
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Above: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant attend a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on Oct. 28, 2023. Image copyright: Abir Sultan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant — who is also a member of Netanyahu's Likud party — on Tuesday after months of disagreements between the two over the war in Gaza and Lebanon.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz was named as the new defense minister, with Gideon Sa'ar replacing Katz. Sa'ar joined Netanyahu's government in September, though he had criticized the premier in the past.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Gallant is a highly experienced military official and has shown a strong track record that demonstrates the necessity of his position in Israel's security establishment. Given the fact that the war is still ongoing, firing Gallant at such a decisive time in the conflict is clearly a political move to curb opposition to Netanyahu's plans within his government. This will prove to be disastrous.
Pro-Israel narrative
Gallant has lost much legitimacy in the eyes of those in his own party due to his constant undermining of Israel's negotiating position. Netanyahu is well within his right to sack Gallant over his incessant attacks on Israel's strategy to free hostages and destroy Hamas.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Gallant is a war criminal guilty of genocide due to his involvement in Israel's war on Gaza, and a new defense minister would have a marginal impact on the brutality under which Palestinians live. Indeed, Netanyahu wants an even more aggressive figure to take on the role of defense minister.
