Protests In Tel Aviv, Jerusalem After Netanyahu Sacks Yoav Gallant, Israel Katz New Defence Minister

Thousands hit the streets after Netanyahu sacked Yaov Gallant as Defence Minister. Angry protesters blocked roads and burnt vehicles in Tel Aviv, Haifa. Protesters clashed with cops outside Netanyahu's house in Jerusalem.

Dozens of Gallant supporters protesting his removal were arrested by Israeli police. Israeli Knesset member Rabbi Kariv was manhandled by police during protest. Kariv got into intense argument with Police officer in a large crowd. Netanyahu said, Gallant was fired due to disagreement and lack of mutual trust.

“Over the past few months, this trust has cracked between me and the Minister of Defense. Significant gaps were discovered between me and Gallant in the management of the (military) campaign, and these gaps were accompanied by statements and actions that contradict the decisions of the government and the decisions of the cabinet," Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Prime Minister said.

Gallant received termination letter in meeting, 'tenure to end 48 hours from receipt.' Soon after giving letter to Gallant, Netanyahu made public announcement.

“The crisis of trust that was gradually created between me and the Minister of Defense has become common knowledge, and this crisis does not allow for the proper continuation of the (military) campaign. I'm not the only one who says this, most of the members of the government and most of the members of the cabinet, almost all of them share this feeling that it is impossible to continue like this. In light of this, I decided today to terminate the term of office of the Minister of Defense. In his place, I decided to appoint Minister Israel Katz to the position,” Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Prime Minister said.

The announcement came amid Israel's multifront war in Gaza, Lebanon. Netanyahu spoke with IDF chief Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and Mossad chief. Netanyahu plans to replace Halevi, Bar after firing Yoav Gallant: report. Gallant said he was fired for sharing defence burden, demand for a hostage deal.

“Our moral and ethical commitment for the return of our sons and daughters, the hostages in Hamas custody. We have to do it as quickly as possible when they are still alive. They have to return back to their homes and their families. Speaking from my position and my experience, and in light of the military achievements during the past year and from a wide perspective overseeing the current situation, I determine that the issue is possible to be achieved,” Yoav Gallant, Israeli Defence Minister said

OPPOSITION CONDEMNS 'ACT OF MADNESS'

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Gallant fired because he refused to bow. 'Gallant refused to agree with Netanyahu's wretched politics.

"Israel’s security must be above all considerations. Israel’s enemies are only waiting for a sign of weakness, disintegration or division within us... the last thing Israel needs right now political upheaval," Isaac Herzog, Israeli President said.

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