According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 5 and replaced the country's war leadership in Gaza and Lebanon with Mr. Israel Katz - who was previously Foreign Minister.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Mr. Gallant had repeatedly made statements that contradicted the decisions of the government and the cabinet, leading to a “crisis of confidence.” Mr. Yoav Gallant responded: “The security of Israel has been and will always be the mission of my life.”
Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant are said to have disagreed for some time over the goals of the 13-month campaign in Gaza against Hamas.
Many criticized Mr. Netanyahu after this unexpected move and accused the leader of putting politics above national security at a time when Israel was preparing for a retaliatory attack by Iran.
Israeli police said Mr Gallant's dismissal had sparked anger and protests, with protesters blocking a highway and setting fires in protest.
New Defense Minister Israel Katz has pledged to rescue the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza and destroy Hamas and Hezbollah. Gideon Saar has been appointed by the Israeli Prime Minister to replace Israel Katz as Foreign Minister.
A senior Israeli government official praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision and said Yoav Gallant was haunted by the thought of not achieving an absolute victory.
However, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council said Mr. Yoav Gallant is an important partner of the United States.
