Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a period of public disagreement over the war in Gaza, promoting former diplomat Israel Katz to take his place. This unexpected decision comes as the United States holds elections, a significant backdrop considering its military support for Israel.
Netanyahu and Gallant have faced ongoing tensions regarding Israel’s military response to Hamas following the group’s attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,206 Israeli deaths, primarily among civilians. Gallant had adopted a hardline stance against Hezbollah but recently advocated for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. According to Netanyahu’s office, “trust has eroded” between them, prompting the change in leadership.
In the wake of his dismissal, Gallant expressed his lifelong commitment to Israel’s security.
Israeli forces intensified their military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria amid ongoing conflict. Recent airstrikes in Lebanon killed one and injured 20, targeting Hezbollah. In Gaza, the death toll from the conflict has surpassed 43,000, with the majority being civilians, according to local health ministry data.
In the West Bank, violence continues to escalate, with Israeli forces reportedly killing seven Palestinians in recent operations. Since the onset of the Gaza war, at least 757 Palestinians have died in the West Bank due to Israeli actions.
Palestinians have voiced hope that the upcoming U.S. election will result in leadership capable of ending the ongoing suffering in their territory, with many expressing a desperate need for peace.
