Yoav Gallant had emerged as one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiercest and most public critics over his approach to the war in Gaza and the failure to reach a hostage deal with Hamas.

Netanyahu previously tried to fire Gallant in 2023, in a move which sparked nationwide protests over judicial reforms

Foreign Minister Israel Katz has been appointed as the new defense minister. Netanyahu praised Katz's capabilities, citing his experience and contributions to national security.