Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu fired the country’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday evening, citing a “crisis of trust” between the two men.
“To my sorrow, although in the first months of battle there was this trust, and very fertile work, in the recent months, this trust was cracked,” Netanyahu said in a video.
“In the midst of a war, more than ever, total trust is needed between PM and defense minister … my highest obligation as Israel’s prime minister is to guard Israel’s security, and to bring us to total victory.”
Gallant will be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, while Gideon Sa’ar, a minister without a portfolio, will replace Katz as foreign minister, the Prime Minister’s Office announced.
United States officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the developments. But the Biden administration has had a relatively good relationship with Gallant — as opposed to with Netanyahu himself, who has often frustrated the White House with his inconstancy.
Gallant spoke regularly in particular with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, though at times Netanyahu reportedly limited him in what he could say.
Daniella Cheslow contributed reporting.
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