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Israel's Opposition Slams Netanyahu for Sacking Defence Minister

Published

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 03:17 PM

Written by Daukoru Grey

Israel's Opposition Slams Netanyahu for Sacking Defence Minister

Opposition leaders from across Israel’s political spectrum have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling the decision a threat to national security during a time of war.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem, opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political goals over the country’s safety.

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed outrage at the dismissal, saying that Netanyahu “had the choice between "disgrace and war" and he chose disgrace.” He added, “Our soldiers cannot trust him. The citizens of Israel cannot trust him. Yesterday, the entire State of Israel saw that.”

Benny Gantz, a prominent opposition figure who left Netanyahu’s government in June over what he described as a lack of post-war planning for Gaza, condemned the timing of the decision as “absolute security negligence.”

Gantz questioned the impact on Israeli forces, saying, “What should our fighters in Lebanon think today, seeing that the minister of defense is fired after issuing conscription orders?” This reference was to Monday’s conscription order calling 7,000 ultra-Orthodox individuals, a group typically exempt from military service, as Israel faces the challenge of reinforcing troop numbers amid conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“We have already seen what our enemies do when they see us torn from the inside,” Gantz added.

At the conference, Yair Golan of the Avoda Labor party called Netanyahu’s government “illegitimate” and urged citizens to strike. “Only if we all decide not to show up for work until the elections will the government realize it cannot govern,” he said.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, argued that Gallant’s dismissal was aimed at enabling legislation to solidify military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community. “Such a move primarily harms national security and strength,” he commented.

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night to protest Gallant’s removal and to urge the government to focus on securing the return of hostages held in Gaza.

Following Gallant’s dismissal, former Foreign Minister Israel Katz was appointed as the new defense minister, while Gideon Saar took over as foreign minister. Katz, known for his direct approach, is a longtime ally of Netanyahu.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Israel's Opposition Slams Netanyahu for Sacking Defence Minister

Opposition leaders from across Israel’s political spectrum have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling the decision a threat to national security during a time of war.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem, opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political goals over the country’s safety.

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed outrage at the dismissal, saying that Netanyahu “had the choice between "disgrace and war" and he chose disgrace.” He added, “Our soldiers cannot trust him. The citizens of Israel cannot trust him. Yesterday, the entire State of Israel saw that.”

Benny Gantz, a prominent opposition figure who left Netanyahu’s government in June over what he described as a lack of post-war planning for Gaza, condemned the timing of the decision as “absolute security negligence.”

“We have already seen what our enemies do when they see us torn from the inside,” Gantz added.

At the conference, Yair Golan of the Avoda Labor party called Netanyahu’s government “illegitimate” and urged citizens to strike. “Only if we all decide not to show up for work until the elections will the government realize it cannot govern,” he said.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, argued that Gallant’s dismissal was aimed at enabling legislation to solidify military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community. “Such a move primarily harms national security and strength,” he commented.

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night to protest Gallant’s removal and to urge the government to focus on securing the return of hostages held in Gaza.

Following Gallant’s dismissal, former Foreign Minister Israel Katz was appointed as the new defense minister, while Gideon Saar took over as foreign minister. Katz, known for his direct approach, is a longtime ally of Netanyahu.

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