Israel’s Defense Minister Steps Down Amid Protests

Israel’s Defense Minister Steps Down Amid Protests \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stepped down after being dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, triggering widespread protests. Gallant, seen as a moderate voice, was replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz. This move heightened concerns over the government’s commitment to securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Israel’s Leadership Change Sparks Protests: Quick Looks

• Gallant’s Departure: Yoav Gallant formally stepped down as Israel’s defense minister, replaced by Israel Katz.
• Public Reaction: His dismissal sparked mass protests, seen as a shift away from moderation in Netanyahu’s far-right government.
• Gallant’s Parting Message: He emphasized that Israel’s “mission is not yet complete,” stressing the need to return 101 hostages held by Hamas.
• Katz’s Objectives: The new defense minister pledged to counter Iranian aggression, dismantle Hamas, defeat Hezbollah, and prioritize hostage return.
• COGAT Update: The Israeli military body COGAT is preparing a new aid crossing into Gaza, with no specific timeline for opening.
• Humanitarian Concerns: The UN warns of critical food shortages in northern Gaza amid ongoing military operations.
• Historical Context: The Israel-Hamas war, triggered by an October 2023 militant attack, has led to thousands of casualties on both sides.
• U.S. Pressure: The U.S. set a deadline for Israel to increase daily aid deliveries to Gaza to 350 trucks or risk reconsidering arms support.

Deep Look

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down on Friday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed him earlier in the week, marking a significant shift within Israel’s government amid its ongoing war with Hamas. Gallant’s removal ignited protests nationwide, reflecting concerns among citizens and political observers who viewed him as a stabilizing, moderate figure within Netanyahu’s right-leaning cabinet.

The decision to dismiss Gallant comes as Israel continues its military response to the October 7, 2023, incursion by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, and the abduction of 250 people. Gallant, upon stepping down, acknowledged the gravity of the conflict and emphasized that the mission was far from over. “We must meet our moral and traditional obligation,” he stated, urging that the war’s core aim was to bring home the remaining 101 hostages.

Replacing Gallant is Israel Katz, who currently serves as foreign minister and is a seasoned Netanyahu loyalist. During the transition ceremony, Katz expressed gratitude toward Gallant and outlined his priorities: curbing Iranian influence, dismantling Hamas as a military power, defeating Hezbollah, and ensuring the return of hostages. Katz stated, “I promise that the entire State of Israel will emerge from this war and from the pain to much higher places.”

Gallant’s dismissal and the appointment of Katz have sparked a debate about Israel’s commitment to hostage negotiations and overall strategic direction. Many in Israel believe that Gallant’s removal indicates a shift further to the right and signals a reduced focus on diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced preparations to open a new aid crossing into Gaza. This move comes as a U.S.-imposed deadline looms for Israel to increase humanitarian deliveries to 350 trucks per day or risk potential repercussions, including reconsideration of arms support. Currently, aid deliveries fall significantly short, averaging 57 trucks daily, with a slight increase to 81 trucks in early November.

Despite efforts to improve aid access, severe humanitarian issues persist in northern Gaza. The United Nations highlighted that Israeli military operations have hindered the delivery of crucial supplies to around 70,000 Palestinians in the region. The lack of adequate aid has exacerbated concerns over imminent famine, with experts stressing the urgency of action.

This change in leadership comes amid escalating tensions along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah continues to engage in hostilities in solidarity with Hamas. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s southern city of Tyre resulted in three deaths and over 30 injuries, as confirmed by Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military claimed that the strikes targeted Hezbollah intelligence and control sites.

Compounding these developments, the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, accused Israel of intentionally damaging its property during recent border operations, raising legal and ethical questions under international law.

Further adding to the complex political landscape, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him and signaling a willingness to collaborate for peace. Trump, known for his previous term’s strong pro-Israel stance, has vowed to stop the ongoing conflict, but his election raises questions about the future of U.S.-mediated peace efforts.

Amidst the shifting geopolitical stage, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Trump to uphold commitments to ending conflicts in the Middle East and urged a reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel. Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israeli military actions, denouncing them as acts of genocide and lamenting Western support for Israel.

The crisis in Gaza remains severe, with a U.N. report highlighting that 70% of verified deaths since the conflict began are women and children. Between October 7, 2023, and September 2, 2024, more than 8,000 Palestinians died, most in densely populated residential areas targeted by wide-effect weaponry. Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva rejected the U.N. findings, asserting that they overlooked Hamas’ role in civilian casualties.

As hostilities and humanitarian crises persist, Israel’s leadership change underscores the country’s pivotal moment, facing both internal discontent and significant international scrutiny.

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