**Netanyahu Dismisses Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Amid Gaza War Disputes**

In a sudden move on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following an extended period of discord over the handling of the Gaza conflict. Gallant, who served as defense minister since 2022, has frequently opposed Netanyahu on several critical issues related to the war.

The departure of Gallant, a prominent member of Netanyahu's Likud party, marks a significant upheaval within the Israeli government. Gallant has been recognized as a more moderate voice on security issues, often clashing with Netanyahu on legislative reforms and strategies concerning the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu, in a video statement from his office, pointed to "significant gaps on handling the battle" as the reason for the dismissal. He emphasized the necessity of complete trust between the prime minister and defense minister, which he claimed had deteriorated over recent months. Israel Katz, the current foreign minister, will take over Gallant’s position, while Gideon Sa'ar is set to replace Katz as foreign minister.

Shortly after the announcement, Gallant, 65, took to social media, affirming his lifelong commitment to Israel’s security without directly addressing his ousting. Netanyahu's notification letter, dated Nov. 5, stated that Gallant’s term would end within 48 hours.

During his tenure, Gallant often differed personally with Netanyahu on various security policies, including the judicial overhaul and Gaza’s administration. In a notable instance in August, Gallant described Netanyahu's ambition for "total victory" over Hamas as “nonsense.” His dissent, particularly after the exit of more centrist figures from the government in June, positioned him as a principal moderate force within the ruling party's inner circles.

The firing of Gallant underscores the deepening rifts within Netanyahu's administration amid ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of the Gaza conflict and internal political dynamics.