Why Netanyahu sacked his defence minister

Benjamin Netanyahu dropped a bombshell this evening when he fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Outside observers might wonder why the Prime Minister would fire the only member of his government with meaningful military experience when Israel is engaged in a prolonged and complex war on several fronts. Israelis however, have been expecting this to happen for some time.

It was no secret that Gallant and Netanyahu had a fractured relationship from the moment the government came to power. Netanyahu fired Gallant in March last year because of his criticism of the government’s judicial reform that threatened to undermine Israel’s democratic institutions. He backtracked on his decision after tens of thousands of furious Israeli spontaneously took to the streets to protest the decision. Gallant is very popular even among those who don’t support Netanyahu’s government. As a result, tonight, too, protesters have taken to the streets across the country and have already blocked major roads.