The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 26th (local time) that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sacked Israeli Defense Minister Yoab Galland for his opposition to the judicial reform promoted by the government and the ruling party, which sparked violent protests in the capital Tel Aviv. did.
After the prime minister’s office fired the defense minister in a one-sentence statement, there were immediate late-night protests around the capital, Tel Aviv, where protesters blocked major highways and set fire to at least two places, and in Jerusalem, protesters set off a police line outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s sister-in-law. crossed
On the night of the 25th, Minister Gallant insisted that the legislation on judicial reform should be postponed, saying that opposition to judicial reform threatens Israel’s security by causing unrest in the military.
In a televised speech, Minister Gallant said, “As the unrest spread, it even penetrated the military. The division poses an immediate and tangible threat to our national security. I cannot participate in this,” he warned.
Minister Galland’s warning comes as military leadership is concerned about weakening the military’s operational capability as elite reservists refuse to voluntarily serve in protest against the judicial reform.
Netanyahu did not explain Galland’s dismissal, but the prime minister’s office told Israeli reporters that Galland had exacerbated the crisis himself by not doing enough to convince reservists who refused to serve.
Prime Minister Netanyahu later wrote on social media that “we must stand strong against denial”.
The decision to sack Gallant signaled that Prime Minister Netanyahu would hold the first legislative vote on judicial reforms scheduled for early this week. The legislation further strengthens the government’s authority in appointing Supreme Court judges.
In response to Netanyahu’s remarks on social media, Minister Gallant said, “Israel’s security is, and will always be, my life’s work.” A successor for Secretary Galland has not been decided, but the United States has been concerned that hardliners with no military experience will take over the mighty Israeli army, which is backed by the US.
Israel’s consul general in New York, a former opposition lawmaker Asaf Zamir, resigned in protest against the dismissal of Minister Galland.
Meanwhile, two centrist parties that Netanyahu said supported the judicial reform legislation denied rumors of leaving the coalition by saying they supported the legislation. However, two other parties in the coalition supported Minister Gallant to suspend legislation, and if only one other party agrees, the coalition loses its majority.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.