Netanyahu fires Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after call to halt judicial reforms
Yoav Gallant called on the government to halt the judicial reforms on Saturday, citing an “immediate and tangible danger to the security of the state."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday after the latter called for a halt to the judicial reforms.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided, this evening to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant,” a statement from the prime minister’s office.
Netanyahu’s decision was welcomed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who said: “The people demand reform! Whoever capitulates to the military objectors cannot remain at his post even for one moment. Gallant couldn’t handle the pressure and led a policy of containment and surrender to terrorism. I congratulate the prime minister for his decision.”
Meanwhile Opposition Leader Yair Lapid lashed out at Netanyahu, calling him a “danger to Israel.”
“Gallant’s sacking, for expressing his concern for Israel’s security, is a new low for this anti-Zionist government that ignores all warnings and endangers the country. Netanyahu can fire Gallant, but he can’t fire reality or fire the people of Israel who are fronting up to resist the coalition’s madness,” Lapid said.
Gallant held a speech on Saturday evening, saying: “The events happening in Israeli society are not staying out of the military. Feelings of rage, disappointment and fear have reached heights we have never seen before. The rift in society penetrates into the army and this is an immediate and tangible danger to the security of the state. I will not give my hand to this.”
“We need a change in the judiciary, but major changes must be done with dialogue. The legislative process must be stopped,” he added.
Shortly after his bombshell speech to the nation, Likud lawmakers Yuli Edelstein and David Bitan both welcomed Gallant’s proposal, while Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called the defence minister “brave.”
According to Israeli media, several Likud lawmakers and officials have told Netanyahu they would support him if he decided to halt the judicial reforms, including Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer.
The news about the firing of Gallant also caused immediate reactions in the U.S., with Israeli Consul General in New York, Asaf Zamir, announcing his resignation. The White House also issued a statement, saying: “We are deeply concerned by today’s developments out of Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise.”
Protestors breaking through a police barrier in front of Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem pic.twitter.com/fqnBJRVa6a
— Jotam Confino (@mrconfino) March 26, 2023
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem immediately after the firing of Gallant, blocking Ayalan Highway in both ends.
In Jerusalem, protesters tried to break through a police barrier to Netanyahu’s private residence, causing police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd. They continued to protest in front of the Knesset after that.
President Herzog issued a statement on Monday morning following the dramatic night, saying: “I appeal to the Prime Minister, members of the Government, and members of the Coalition: there are harsh and painful feelings. The entire nation is rapt with deep worry. Our security, economy, society — all are under threat. The whole people of Israel are looking at you. The whole Jewish People are looking at you. The whole world is looking at you.”
“For the sake of the unity of the People of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I call on you to halt the legislative process immediately. I appeal to the leaders of all Knesset factions, Coalition and Opposition alike, to place this country’s citizens above all else and to act with courage and responsibility without further delay. Wake up now! This is not a political moment; this is a moment for leadership and responsibility.”
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