Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprisingly announced today that removes the popular Minister of Defense Yoav Galant, the Associated Press reported, as quoted by BTA.
Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly disagreed since the start of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, but until now the prime minister had not decided to fire his opponent. A previous attempt to remove Gallant in March last year led to mass street protests against Netanyahu, AP recalls.
Reuters reported that the new Minister of Defense will be the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz. According to Netanyahu, the decision was dictated by the loss of confidence in Gallant in connection with the leadership of Israel's military operations.
Israel Katz will be replaced by Gideon Saar as foreign minister.
"The security of the State of Israel is and always will be my life's mission," said Yoav Galant on the "X" social network.