In a surprising turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the "near future," according to a source in the Prime Minister's Office. The source also revealed that Netanyahu's associates are actively engaging in negotiations with Gideon Sa'ar, the chairman of the New Hope-United Right party, as a potential replacement for Gallant.

Rumors of Gallant's dismissal began to circulate on Monday, leading to a protest near Sa'ar's residence, where demonstrators were advocating for a hostage deal. However, the Prime Minister's Office swiftly denied these reports, stating that they were "incorrect" and provided no indication of any potential dismissal of the defense minister.

The Hostage Family Forum, representing the majority of families of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, expressed concerns that Sa'ar's appointment as defense minister would signify a "clear and unequivocal admission" by the prime minister of abandoning the hostages. Sa'ar has publicly voiced his opposition to the proposed deal, referring to it as "terms of surrender."

Netanyahu and Gallant have been clashing over the issue of the haredi IDF draft. The prime minister has been inclined to keep the haredi draft to a minimum to avoid a potential departure of the ultra-Orthodox parties from the government. On the other hand, Gallant has been advocating for a broader solution that would satisfy parts of the opposition, calling for increased haredi draft numbers to meet the manpower needs of the IDF.

Amid discussions regarding Sa'ar's potential entry into the government, there were reports of discussions on resolving the haredi draft issue. However, Sa'ar denied these claims, emphasizing that the topic had not been part of the negotiations, and his position on the matter remained unchanged.

Furthermore, Netanyahu reportedly shared with his confidants that expanding the coalition could facilitate progress in reaching a hostage deal, provided Hamas agrees to it. In response, Sa'ar's spokesperson stated that there was "nothing new on the topic."

The New Hope-United Right party currently has four Members of the Knesset (MKs): Gideon Sa'ar, Ze'ev Elkin, Sharren Haskel, and Michel Bouskila. A Channel 12 report suggested that all four would receive government positions, with Elkin and Haskel potentially becoming ministers or deputy ministers, while Bouskila would become the chairman of a Knesset committee. Another Channel 12 report hinted at the possibility of Sa'ar becoming the foreign minister, while Yisrael Katz or Avi Dichter might be considered for the defense minister position.

The timing and motives behind the various leaks and reports remain unclear, with contradictory information circulating throughout the day. Several ministers and Members of Knesset, from both the coalition and the opposition, have reacted to the reports. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed his longstanding call for Gallant's dismissal, while National Unity chairman MK Benny Gantz criticized Netanyahu for focusing on "disgraceful political maneuvers" rather than addressing pressing national security matters.

As discussions continue and negotiations unfold, the political landscape in Israel is likely to undergo significant changes. The nation eagerly awaits updates on the potential dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the announcement of his replacement.