Thousands Protest Defense Minister’s Ouster in Israel

Following the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, thousands of Israelis took to the streets, urging the government to prioritize the return of hostages held in Gaza. The protest erupted after Gallant was removed from office on Tuesday due to his public disagreements with Netanyahu regarding Israel’s strategy in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Gallant, known for his hardline stance on Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, had also advocated for a ceasefire to negotiate hostage releases. His removal came on the same day as the U.S. presidential election, a moment when global attention was focused elsewhere. Netanyahu’s office cited a loss of trust in Gallant as the reason for the dismissal, and appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz as the new defense minister.

Following the announcement, demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv, blocking traffic, lighting fires, and demanding the return of the 97 hostages. Protesters held signs reading “We deserve better leaders” and “Bring them home now,” expressing frustration over the government’s handling of the hostage situation.

This reshuffle occurs at a critical stage in Israel’s military campaigns, with both Hamas and Hezbollah facing significant pressure. Katz pledged a determined approach to achieving victory, including eliminating Hamas in Gaza, defeating Hezbollah in Lebanon, and securing the hostages’ release. Gideon Saar was subsequently appointed as foreign minister to replace Katz.

After his dismissal, Gallant stated that protecting Israel’s security would remain his life’s work, stressing the urgency of bringing the hostages home while also calling for universal military service, which has been a divisive issue in Netanyahu’s coalition. Gallant had previously advocated for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, a move Netanyahu opposed to maintain his coalition’s support.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Katz to prioritize a deal for the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed Gallant’s dismissal, highlighting Gallant’s role in early decisions against the group. Abu Zuhri stated that while Gallant is no longer in office, Hamas will persist.

On the ground, the conflict continues with clashes in Gaza and Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for recent attacks in northern Israel, and Lebanese sources reported ongoing raids, including one in Barja that left 20 people dead. The fighting has now spanned over a month, with at least 1,990 fatalities reported in Lebanon since late September.

In Gaza, Palestinians expressed hopes that the next U.S. president would work to bring an end to the conflict. “We are hanging by a thread, looking for someone to stop this war,” said Ayman al-Omreiti, a resident of Gaza City.