Quotes
Gallant was one of the first to support the idea that Israel needed to take the initiative in the north, just days after the October 7 attacks,
said Michael Horowitz, a geopolitical expert at the Middle East-based security consultancy Le Beck
He is considered to be focused on winning the war and the perceived national interest, rather than playing petty politics,
giving him ... added the former analyst.jpg)
Yesterday I warned the Arab students, who are flying Palestine flags at universities: Remember 48. Remember our independence war and your Nakba, don’t stretch the rope too much. […] If you don’t calm down, we’ll teach you a lesson that won’t be forgotten.”
In 2022, addressing the Knesset, Katz said
We will work together to lead the defence establishment to victory over our enemies and to achieve the goals of the war: the return of all hostages as the most important moral mission, the destruction of Hamas in Gaza, the defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the containment of Iranian aggression, and the safe return of the residents of the north and south to their homes,
Katz said in a statement after his appointmentWe need to address the [terror] threat exactly as we deal with terror infrastructure in Gaza, including the temporary evacuation of Palestinian civilians and any other step needed,
he said at the timeGallant's dismissal sends a clear message - there is no one left to prevent the foiling of hostage deal; it's time to take to the streets.
The mother of a hostage said
Everyone must serve in the IDF and participate together in the mission of defending the State of Israel
he said
He who betrays the principles of the voters who elected him is not worthy of being in our ranks. Therefore, Mordechai also cannot serve as defense minister in the government that I lead,
Netanyahu said at the time, in January 1999.
I spoke today with Minister Gideon Saar and offered him and his faction to join the coalition and take on the position of Foreign Minister,
Netanyahu said in a statement from his office
The US Department of Defense will continue to work closely with Israel’s next Minister of Defense.”
Pentagon spokesperson Maj Gen Patrick Ryder added in a statement
The last thing Israel needs right now is an upheaval and a rupture in the middle of the war. Israel’s security must be above all considerations,
he wrote in HebrewThis is how an officer and fighter who was fired only because he refused to prefer Netanyahu’s wretched politics over the good of the fighters and the lives of the hostages,
Lapid saidMinister Gallant has been an important partner on all matters related to the defence of Israel. As close partners, we will continue to work collaboratively with Israel’s next minister of defence."
A representative for the White House's National Security Council said on TuesdayWe have real questions about the reasons for Gallant’s firing and about what is driving the decision.”
The official addedIn truth, however, it is Netanyahu’s unconscionable and reckless decision to dismiss a courageous, principled and patriotic defense minister at the height of a bitter war, undermining the internal cohesion on which Israel’s vital resilience depends, that will delight and potentially benefit Israel’s enemies,
he addedWe must not go back towards the abyss! Israel’s enemies are only waiting for a sign of weakness, disintegration or division within us.”
He addedNetanyahu saw Gallant as the opposition within his own coalition,
said Nadav Shtrauchler, a political analyst and former strategist for Mr. Netanyahu
I’ve been responsible for the security apparatus during the past two years, its successes, failures, and moments of pain,
Mr. Gallant said of his call for an investigative commissionOver the past few months, the trust between the Defense Minister and me has eroded. Significant differences emerged regarding the management of the (military) campaign, accompanied by statements and actions that contradicted government and cabinet decisions."
In a video statement, Netanyahu said
When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage-release deal,
the prime minister’s office said in a statement