Netanyahu Dismisses Israeli Defense Minister

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today, Sunday, after Gallant stated that the government should postpone plans that have sparked controversy and division regarding judicial reforms in the country. The Prime Minister's Office said, "Netanyahu decided to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant." In response, Gallant stated, "Israel's security has always been and will always be my life's mission." The head of Israel's largest labor union expressed "surprise" at the decision to dismiss the defense minister. Gallant, who is also a member of the Knesset from Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, contradicted the party's general position on Saturday by publicly urging Netanyahu to suspend the legislative approval. Previously, he mentioned that protests against the judicial reforms across Israel, which a growing number of reservists have joined, are affecting the work of regular forces and threaten national security.