Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister As Israel Prepares for Iranian Attack

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing a “gradually deepening crisis of trust.” The move comes as Israel braces for a potential Iranian attack amid U.S. election results.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz will replace Gallant, while Minister without Portfolio Gideon Sa’ar will take over the Foreign Ministry from Katz.

Incoming Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude to Netanyahu for his trust, stating he accepted the role with a deep commitment to Israel’s security. Katz pledged to lead the defense forces toward victory, aiming to secure the return of all hostages, dismantle Hamas in Gaza, defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon, counter Iranian threats, and ensure the safe return of residents in Israel’s north and south.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned against internal division, emphasizing the need for responsible leadership as the war continues and Israel’s goals remain unfulfilled. He highlighted the unity and bravery of Israeli soldiers on the front lines.

“The last thing the State of Israel needs right now is an upheaval and a rupture in the middle of the war. The security of the State of Israel must be above all considerations,” wrote Israeli President Isaac Herzog on X.

“101 hostages are still in enemy captivity this evening. Thousands of bereaved mourn their shattered world. Many reservists bear the burden of protecting the people and the homeland and cry out together with their families for a broad Israeli partnership. Thousands of our brothers are evacuated from their homes for over a year,” Herzog added.

“We are in one of the most difficult and challenging times we have ever known. We must not go backward towards the abyss!,” Herzog concluded.

In a brief letter delivered to Gallant during an 8 p.m. meeting, Netanyahu informed him that his tenure would end “48 hours from the receipt of this letter.” The letter concluded, “I would like to thank you for your service as defense minister.”

“In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and the defense minister,” Netanyahu stated, explaining his decision to remove Gallant.

“Unfortunately, although in the first few months of the campaign there was such trust and very fruitful work, over the last few months, this trust has cracked between myself and the defense minister,” Netanyahu added.

Gallant posted on X, formerly Twitter, “The security of the State of Israel was and will always remain my life’s mission.”

Gallant, a key figure in Israeli-U.S. relations and widely respected by the public, has frequently clashed with Netanyahu on major issues, including the hostage deal and ultra-Orthodox military draft. Although Netanyahu attempted to dismiss him in March 2023, widespread protests—known as “the Night of Gallant”—forced him to reverse the decision. Now, with the Biden administration focused on the U.S. elections, Netanyahu has once again dismissed Gallant.

Netanyahu’s political rivals seized on Gallant’s dismissal to call for protests, leading thousands to take to the streets in Tel Aviv.

“The dismissal of Gallant in the middle of a war is an act of madness,” opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid stated on X.

“Netanyahu is sacrificing Israel’s security and IDF soldiers for despicable political survival. The far-right government prefers draft dodgers over those who serve.” He urged, “I call on Yesh Atid members and all Zionist patriots to take to the streets tonight in protest.”

On Sunday, Worthy News reported Iran was planning a “strong and complex” attack on Israel, likely timed to avoid influencing the U.S. election, with action expected after Tuesday’s vote but before January’s presidential inauguration. U.S. intelligence suggests Iran favors Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.

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