Israeli Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in consultations regarding the potential dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from his position in the coming months. The channel stated that several members of the Likud party attacked Minister Gallant during a plenary session in the Knesset on Wednesday. Channel 12 considered the timing not random, noting that those around the Prime Minister are discussing the possibility of removing Gallant from his post in the coming months.
There are differing opinions on the decision, but the general consensus is that Gallant is no longer part of the coalition, according to the channel. Likud officials believe Gallant is acting independently and that an opportunity must be found to oust him. Gallant is seen as sitting between the government coalition and solving the recruitment issue, and he is accused of leaking sensitive security discussions.
The channel reported that the most suitable timing for this move would be during the holiday period, with the groundwork being laid through increased criticism of him from within the coalition and Likud, presenting the action as inevitable. Those close to Netanyahu deny these reports, claiming that the relationship between them is normal.
Earlier today, Defense Minister Gallant appeared to answer questions in a plenary session of the Knesset. As part of that, he revealed the Israeli army's recruitment goals, saying, "The plan is to recruit an additional 3,000 recruits from the Haredim from summer 2024 to summer 2025." He also referred to the extent of the damage inflicted on Hamas, stating: "We killed or wounded 60% of Hamas terrorists in Gaza. We dismantled 24 battalions of Hamas or the vast majority of them."
During his remarks, several Likud members criticized him, including Knesset member Moshe Saada, who said: "Is this the spirit of leadership? Look into the eyes of the soldiers. The spirit of leniency that you permit... look into the eyes of the heroic soldiers." Minister Gallant responded, "The people you are talking about, while you were sitting in air-conditioned offices, risked their lives day and night. Do not call them lenient and do not call them soft. You are doing a disservice to the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces."
