### Netanyahu Fires Defence Minister Gallant Over "Crisis of Trust"

In a significant political shake-up, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a "crisis of trust" that has grown between them over recent months. Netanyahu announced that Foreign Minister Israel Katz will step in to replace Gallant.

Netanyahu explained his decision in a comprehensive statement, emphasizing that in the midst of ongoing conflict, complete trust between the prime minister and the defence minister is imperative. "During the initial months of our campaign, there was fruitful collaboration," Netanyahu said. "However, in recent months, significant gaps have surfaced in our management of the campaign." These differences, according to Netanyahu, involved actions and statements by Gallant that openly contradicted government decisions.

Gallant, who took to social media platform X, reiterated his lifelong commitment to Israel’s security, stating it "was and will always remain the mission of my life." However, his brief message did not directly address his dismissal.

The strained relationship between Netanyahu and Gallant has been evident before. Gallant had previously been dismissed by Netanyahu in March of the previous year due to discord over judiciary reforms, only for the Prime Minister to retract the decision following large-scale public protests.

The tension escalated in May when Gallant publicly criticized the lack of a post-war strategy for Gaza, a move that highlighted deep divisions within Israel’s war cabinet. Gallant had been pressing for clarity on Israel’s intentions with Gaza, stating he had consistently raised the issue since October without any substantial response from Netanyahu.

The relationship reached a tipping point when Netanyahu refused Gallant's demand to make a public declaration dismissing any intentions for civilian or military control over Gaza. Netanyahu countered by saying he was "not ready to exchange Hamastan for Fatahstan," pointing to the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.

With Katz stepping into the role of defence minister and Gideon Sa'ar taking over as the new foreign minister, the Israeli government faces a challenging period marked by internal dissent and strategic uncertainties.