Mon Sep 16 15:34:50 UTC 2024: ## Netanyahu’s Potential Defence Minister Firing Shakes Israel
**JERUSALEM** – Rumours of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential firing of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant sent shockwaves through the political landscape and caused a dip in Israeli financial markets on Monday.
Reports from leading Israeli news outlets suggest that Netanyahu, under pressure from far-right coalition partners, is considering replacing Gallant with former ally turned rival Gideon Saar, currently a member of the opposition. This move would have significant implications for Israel’s security, especially amidst the looming threat of a potential war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Israeli shekel weakened by 1%, and Tel Aviv’s main share indices dropped between 1.4% and 1.6%. This comes despite an anticipated strengthening of the currency following data indicating a higher-than-expected inflation rate, which would likely delay rate cuts until 2025.
Netanyahu has denied any negotiations with Saar but has remained silent on his plans for Gallant. Saar has also denied any discussions with coalition members.
This isn’t the first time Netanyahu has attempted to remove Gallant, with the two differing on government policies, including the handling of the Gaza war and a potential hostage release deal with Hamas.
Centrist lawmakers have criticised Netanyahu for focusing on political infighting instead of addressing pressing national issues. Benny Gantz, a centrist lawmaker, expressed frustration with the prime minister prioritizing a defence minister change over returning hostages, addressing the Hezbollah threat, and facilitating the return of displaced residents in the north.
Police minister Itamar Ben Gvir, head of an ultranationalist party in Netanyahu’s coalition, has been advocating for Gallant’s dismissal for months, citing his perceived inability to handle the escalating situation with Hezbollah. Tens of thousands of Israelis have been displaced near the Lebanese border due to ongoing rocket fire.
Gallant, a former general, has reassured U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that he is committed to returning residents to their homes, but warned that the window for a negotiated solution is closing. He has stated that military action is now the only option to achieve this goal.
In March 2023, Netanyahu initially fired Gallant after he publicly disagreed with a proposed judicial overhaul plan. This triggered mass protests, leading Netanyahu to reverse his decision.
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