Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant due to significant differences in their views on how to proceed in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a lack of trust between them. Gallant was replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Gallant disagreed with Netanyahu on issues such as drafting Haredi men into the army, getting hostages back home, and the need for a state commission of inquiry into intelligence failures. The decision sparked protests in Tel Aviv and outside Netanyahu’s residence. The move was criticized by opposition leader Yair Lapid and Israeli NGO The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, who called it a serious blow to national security. Netanyahu warned Iran of potential targeting of its nuclear program if it attacks Israel again. The U.S. has cautioned against hitting Iran’s energy infrastructure to avoid a regional war.