Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today, Monday, that he will keep Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in his position due to the escalating security crisis. He added that they have resolved their disagreement regarding Gallant's public call last month to halt the judicial overhaul plan proposed by the government, which has caused significant division and was seen by Gallant as a threat to Israel's security. Netanyahu asserted that relations with the United States, which appeared strained due to the government’s judicial reform plan, remain "stronger than ever," noting that the two countries are cooperating in the fields of security and intelligence. In response to being asked why he has not yet been invited for an official visit to the White House during his latest term as Prime Minister, Netanyahu said, "There will be a visit, do not worry."
In the same vein, thousands of Israelis, including government ministers, organized a march today to the Evitar settlement site that was evacuated in the occupied West Bank, in support of settlement expansion amidst rising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Right-wing extremist Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated at the march, surrounded by tight security, "They now understand why I was pushing for the establishment of a National Guard."
