Why Netanyahu Removed Gallant and Made Katz Defense Minister

Last Updated on November 9, 2024 5:15 am

Prime Minister Netanyahu has reshuffled the cabinet in Israel. Gallant has been removed from the post of Defense Minister and Katz has been appointed as the new Defense Minister. Katz was the Foreign Minister until now.

Netanyahu said that trust in Gallant was decreasing. Therefore, the decision has been made to remove him.

Upon receiving the new responsibility, Katz said that he will ensure victory over the enemy and try to reach the goal. This goal is to destroy Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

After announcing that he has served in the Israeli Navy for 30 years, Gallant said that Israel’s security has always been my first and main goal.

Netanyahu cited two reasons for removing Gallant: a ‘crisis of trust’ and a ‘significant gap’.

Netanyahu said that full trust between the prime minister and the defense minister is very important during a war. That trust was there in the first few months of the war. The past few months have seen significant gains in the war, but trust has been strained.

The two men have grown apart over the long-running war in Gaza. Their strategic differences have come to the fore. Gallant has sought a diplomatic deal to repatriate prisoners. He has publicly criticized Netanyahu.

Netanyahu claims he has tried several times to bridge the gap but failed.

Sources: AP, AFP, Reuters