Yoav Gallant, formerly Israel’s Defence Minister, announced his resignation from parliament on Wednesday following his dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to longstanding disagreements, particularly regarding the handling of military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Gallant, known for his independent stance within Netanyahu’s far-right and religious coalition, often clashed with the administration on key issues.
Notably, he opposed exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and criticized government efforts to diminish the Supreme Court’s powers. His opposition to these policies led to his firing in March 2023, which sparked significant public protests and forced Netanyahu to reconsider his approach.
Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for both Gallant and Netanyahu, along with a Hamas leader, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. These allegations, which Israel disputes, have added another layer of controversy to Gallant’s career and his relationship with Netanyahu’s government.