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Profile of Yoav Gallant, the Military General Ousted from the Position of Israel's Defense Minister by Netanyahu

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Profile of Yoav Gallant, the Military General Ousted from the Position of Israel's Defense Minister by Netanyahu Yoav Gallant (Credit: Instagram @ yoav.gallant)

Kapanlagi.com - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shocked the public on Tuesday night (5/11/2024) with the announcement of the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In this dramatic move, Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz as Gallant's replacement.

He explained that the decision was made due to a 'significant gap' in the management of military operations, particularly regarding the protracted conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

However, this dismissal was not sudden. Tensions between Gallant and Netanyahu have been felt since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, 2023. Gallant, known for his assertiveness, did not hesitate to criticize several of Netanyahu's political decisions, especially in handling the crisis and military strategy in Gaza.

Now, attention turns to the new figure who will lead Israel's defense. Let us take a closer look at the profile of Yoav Gallant, summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Thursday (7/11).

1. A Brilliant and Controversial Military Career

Yoav Gallant, born on November 8, 1958, in Israel, is an intriguing figure with a colorful life journey. This former general began his military career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at a young age and spent over 40 years in the military world, serving in various strategic positions.

Although he briefly tried life as a logger in Alaska in the early 1980s, Gallant soon returned to the IDF, joining the Israeli Navy's special forces unit, Shayetet 13.

Under his leadership, many important military operations were carried out, including the famous Operation Cast Lead in 2008, where his forces faced Hamas for almost a month, with consequences that sparked much debate.

Known as a bold and sometimes controversial leader, Gallant did not hesitate to make tough decisions amid tensions, an experience that became valuable when he stepped into the political arena after retiring from the military.

2. Entering the World of Politics: From Kulanu to Likud

After completing his military career in the IDF, Yoav Gallant stepped into the world of politics in 2015 by joining the Kulanu Party led by Moshe Kahlon. In that first election, he successfully secured a seat in the Knesset, marking a new chapter in his life.

However, his ambitions did not stop there; in 2018, Gallant switched to the Likud Party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even though he had previously made a name for himself in Kulanu. This move demonstrated his desire to contribute more to the government, especially in defense and foreign policy matters.

In a short time, Gallant held various strategic positions, including Minister of Development, Minister of Aliyah and Integration, and Minister of Education.

Ultimately, in 2022, he was appointed as Israel's Minister of Defense, a crucial position that required him to manage the country's defense policy amid various challenges, particularly from Gaza and its surroundings, while solidifying his status as one of the leading political figures in Israel.

3. Controversy with Netanyahu: Judicial Reform and Military Tensions

After years of being a loyal ally of Netanyahu, the relationship between Gallant and the prime minister began to strain in 2023, as Netanyahu launched a judicial reform plan that faced a wave of criticism. This plan, aimed at reducing the power of the Israeli Supreme Court, is seen by many as a serious threat to the country's democracy.

Gallant, who is known for being vocal, did not remain silent; he firmly stated, "This is a clear, immediate, and real danger to Israel's security," highlighting the significant risks posed by the reform.

In a bold move, he joined other military leaders who also opposed the plan, even warning that officers and soldiers might choose to resign from their duties.

Tensions between Gallant and Netanyahu escalated, especially after a major conflict in Gaza in October 2023, where Netanyahu accused Gallant of causing discrepancies in the management of military policy and other domestic issues.

4. The Dismissal of Gallant

On November 5, 2024, the Israeli political world was shaken by the shocking decision of Prime Minister Netanyahu to remove Benny Gallant from the position of Minister of Defense. This dismissal did not come without reason; Netanyahu revealed a 'significant gap' in Gallant's management of military operations in Gaza, which further deteriorated their relationship.

Although initially the two seemed united as war raged, sharp differences in military strategy have undermined trust between them.

"The trust between me and the minister of defense has cracked," Netanyahu emphasized, adding that this disagreement not only shook domestic policy but also provided a fresh opportunity for Israel's enemies who see a chance in the government's tensions.

Interestingly, this is not Gallant's first dismissal; he faced a similar fate in March 2023 but managed to return to his position after a wave of public protests. Now, with tensions reaching a peak, it seems that Netanyahu's decision this time is final.

5. The Political Future of Gallant and Its Impact on Israel

After being dismissed, Gallant firmly stated through social media that the security of Israel remains his top priority. "The security of the State of Israel is and will always be my life mission," he wrote, reaffirming his unwavering commitment even after being removed from his position.

This controversial move by Netanyahu raises questions about the political stability of Israel in the future, especially after he appointed Israel Katz—a seasoned figure known for his firm defense policies—as Gallant's replacement.

While many predict that this dismissal will trigger domestic political tensions, for Netanyahu, it serves as a strategy to strengthen his leadership amid the ongoing war situation.

In the midst of the conflict with Hamas, this decision also reflects how deeply political and military influences shape Israel's policy direction, which could affect the relationship between the government and the military groups that have long supported Gallant.

6. Why was Yoav Gallant fired by Netanyahu?

Gallant had to leave his position due to differences in views on military operations management and disagreements regarding judicial reforms, which ultimately damaged the trust between him and Netanyahu.

7. What makes Gallant different from other Israeli political leaders?

Gallant, a familiar figure in the military world, has captured public attention due to his extraordinary courage in challenging government policies, especially those concerning national security issues.

With his strong military background, he stands out as a bold and assertive voice, ready to face challenges in fighting for the principles he believes in.

8. Who replaced Gallant as Minister of Defense?

After Gallant's dismissal, Israel Katz has now taken over the position of Minister of Defense, marking a new chapter in Israel's challenging military leadership.

(kpl/rmt)

Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
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