Thousands join street protests after Israeli defence minister sacked by Netanyahu
Crowds gathered in multiple Israeli cities to express their anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” between them. The firing has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Caesarea, and other cities.
In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked traffic on a major motorway, lighting fires and clashing with police, who responded by using water cannons to disperse the crowds. Similar protests were reported in other cities, with many voicing their dissatisfaction over Gallant’s dismissal and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Gallant’s removal on Tuesday came after months of tension between him and Netanyahu, particularly over their handling of the war in Gaza. The two had been at odds on several fronts, including Gallant’s push for a hostage deal and his disagreements with members of the ultra-Orthodox community over military conscription. Gallant, a former military leader, had become a vocal critic of the government’s approach to the conflict.
In a televised statement following his sacking, Gallant said Israel was navigating through “the fog of battle” and called for an independent inquiry into the failures that led to the October 7 Hamas attack. The deadly assault saw over 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 250 taken hostage. Gallant’s remarks emphasized the need for accountability as Israel faced unprecedented challenges during the war.
Netanyahu, however, defended his decision, claiming there were “significant gaps” in Gallant’s leadership and pointing to a “crisis of trust” between them. The prime minister replaced Gallant with a long-time loyalist, further deepening the political divide between the two figures.
Gallant’s tenure had already been marked by controversy, and Netanyahu had tried to dismiss him once before, in the wake of mass protests against his proposed judicial reforms. The previous attempt failed, but the relationship between the two never fully healed. As the war in Gaza enters its second year, tensions within the Israeli government continue to escalate, with Gallant’s firing serving as the latest flashpoint in the ongoing political crisis.
Join our WhatsApp channel:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
