International

Israel on Edge as Netanyahu Considers Defense Minister Ouster

Published

4 months ago

Sep 16, 2024.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly considered removing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, rattling the country’s political and financial stability.

Israeli media suggested that Netanyahu, under pressure from far-right allies, might replace Gallant with Gideon Saar, an opposition figure and former ally.

Such a decision would be significant, especially given rising tensions with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, along the northern border.

The shekel weakened by 1%, trading at nearly 3.75 per dollar, while the Tel Aviv stock market dropped between 1.4% and 1.6%.

This market reaction followed reports of higher-than-expected inflation at 3.6%, delaying anticipated rate cuts.

Netanyahu dismissed rumors of negotiations with Saar but remained silent on Gallant’s future. Saar also denied any talks with coalition members.

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Tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant have flared before, most notably over the handling of the Gaza conflict and potential deals with Hamas.

Criticism emerged from centrist politicians. Benny Gantz criticized Netanyahu’s focus on political maneuvering over military priorities, saying, “Instead of the prime minister being busy with victory over Hamas, returning the hostages, with the war against Hezbollah and allowing (evacuated) residents of the north to return to their homes, he is busy with despicable political dealings and replacing the defence minister.”

Meanwhile, far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has been advocating for Gallant’s dismissal, arguing that Gallant isn’t fit to lead during the escalating conflict with Hezbollah.

“We must resolve the situation in the north, and Gallant is not the right man to lead this,” Ben Gvir stated.

Gallant, a former general, assured U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that he was committed to returning displaced residents to their homes, warning that diplomatic opportunities were narrowing.

He emphasized on Monday that military action was likely the only solution to bring back northern residents, displaced by daily Hezbollah rocket fire.

This isn’t the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. Earlier in 2023, Gallant opposed a judicial overhaul plan, leading to mass protests after Netanyahu attempted to remove him, only to later reverse the decision.

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