Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv in protest after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, demanding that the government prioritize the return of hostages held in Gaza. The dismissal followed months of public disagreements between Netanyahu and Gallant over Israel’s military strategy in the ongoing war with Hamas, particularly after the October 7, 2023 attack by the militant group.
The timing of Gallant’s removal, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election, heightened tensions. Netanyahu explained that trust between him and Gallant had eroded, leading to his decision to replace Gallant with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who pledged to achieve victory over Hamas and Hezbollah, and secure the hostages’ release. Gallant’s dismissal also sparked protests, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Bring them home now!” and blocking traffic. Some protesters wore T-shirts calling for the hostages’ immediate return, while others wore handcuffs and masks bearing Netanyahu’s image.
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Gallant, after being dismissed, posted on social media reaffirming his commitment to Israel’s security and urged the government to focus on bringing the hostages home. He also emphasized the need for all eligible Israelis to serve in the military, a position he had clashed with Netanyahu over, particularly regarding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Following the reshuffle, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called on Katz to make the hostage situation a priority.
In response to Gallant’s firing, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed the move, claiming that Gallant’s departure would not diminish their resolve, with Hamas continuing to fight against Israel.
