Thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling for urgent government action to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu announced Gallant’s removal due to eroded trust, as the two had frequently clashed over Israel’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Foreign Minister Israel Katz was named as Gallant's replacement.
Gallant had publicly pushed for a ceasefire to negotiate a hostage release deal with Hamas, a position that increasingly put him at odds with Netanyahu. Shortly after his dismissal, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, blocking roads, lighting fires, and demanding the safe return of the 97 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Slogans like "Bring them home now!" and "Leaving no one behind!" reflected their frustration with the government’s stance.
The dismissal comes as the U.S. presidential election unfolds, a key moment for Israel, given its reliance on American military support. Gallant’s replacement, Katz, pledged to achieve “victory over our enemies” and reaffirmed the government's commitment to defeating Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, alongside the safe return of the hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed Gallant’s dismissal, calling it proof of Israel's internal struggles. Abu Zuhri stated, “Gallant is gone, but Hamas remains,” in a statement meant to signal Hamas’s resilience in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Gaza and Lebanon remains tense, with Hezbollah continuing attacks on northern Israel. As the U.S. election outcome nears, Palestinians in Gaza expressed hope that the new administration would bring an end to the ongoing hostilities, with many calling for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Gallant had publicly pushed for a ceasefire to negotiate a hostage release deal with Hamas, a position that increasingly put him at odds with Netanyahu. Shortly after his dismissal, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, blocking roads, lighting fires, and demanding the safe return of the 97 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Slogans like "Bring them home now!" and "Leaving no one behind!" reflected their frustration with the government’s stance.
The dismissal comes as the U.S. presidential election unfolds, a key moment for Israel, given its reliance on American military support. Gallant’s replacement, Katz, pledged to achieve “victory over our enemies” and reaffirmed the government's commitment to defeating Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, alongside the safe return of the hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed Gallant’s dismissal, calling it proof of Israel's internal struggles. Abu Zuhri stated, “Gallant is gone, but Hamas remains,” in a statement meant to signal Hamas’s resilience in the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Gaza and Lebanon remains tense, with Hezbollah continuing attacks on northern Israel. As the U.S. election outcome nears, Palestinians in Gaza expressed hope that the new administration would bring an end to the ongoing hostilities, with many calling for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
