Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, dismissed in November after leading the Gaza military campaign for over a year, announced his resignation from parliament on Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a breakdown in trust as the reason for Gallant’s removal.
In a televised statement, Gallant declared, “There are moments when one must pause and reassess the direction,” though he vowed to continue advocating for the return of Israelis held captive by Hamas.
Key disagreements between Gallant and Netanyahu included the military exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Gallant pushed for mandatory conscription, calling it a necessary security and military need, while Netanyahu opposed it to maintain coalition stability with religious parties.
Gallant also criticised the government’s handling of the Gaza war following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. Despite his dismissal, he claimed responsibility for the military campaign, which he described as leading to victory over its enemies.
Gallant’s resignation coincides with the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for him, Netanyahu, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a warfare tactic.
