Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing a “crisis of trust.” Gallant’s firing, which took many by surprise, came amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and growing political tensions. Netanyahu accused Gallant of making statements that contradicted government decisions. Gallant, a former general, responded by reiterating that Israel’s security remained his life’s mission.
 
The timing of Gallant’s removal raised concerns, particularly as Israel braces for potential Iranian retaliation for its airstrikes on Iranian targets, including the recent Oct. 26 airstrikes. Protests erupted in Israel following the dismissal, with protesters blocking highways and lighting bonfires. Gallant’s replacement, Israel Katz, has strong political ties to Netanyahu and has taken hardline positions, such as banning U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel over his comments on the Iranian missile attacks.
 
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza has escalated, with Israeli military operations continuing in northern Gaza, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. Evacuations have been ordered in parts of Gaza, including the town of Beit Lahiya, as Israel aims to clear buffer zones for military operations. The conflict has resulted in over 43,300 Palestinian deaths and ongoing humanitarian concerns.