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Outgoing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) General Staff on Wednesday, following his dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just a day earlier.
The meeting, which took place in a tense political atmosphere, marked Gallant’s final address to the IDF leadership after months of growing disagreements with the prime minister.
Gallant, who had served as defense minister since 2022, spoke with pride about the IDF’s achievements during his tenure.
“We have shifted the balance of power in the Middle East—from Gaza to Tehran, from Hodeidah to the Dahiyeh,” Gallant said, referencing Israel’s military operations and broader regional influence.
He emphasized that these successes had “pushed our enemies back by decades,” framing his tenure as a period of significant military advancements.
In his speech to the IDF General Staff, Gallant also reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the State of Israel and its laws.
“The loyalty of the IDF, of its commanders, of its officers, and of the recruits’ oath from day one is to the State of Israel and its laws,” Gallant stated, reinforcing the values and mission of Israel’s military.
He went on to highlight the broader commitment of the IDF to a cause greater than any one individual, referencing the aspirations of millions of Jews over the past 2,000 years.
Gallant’s comments came in the wake of a controversial political shift. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that he had fired Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” between the two men.
Netanyahu explained that full trust was essential in the midst of the ongoing war, stating that the leadership void caused by the strained relationship had become untenable.
The dismissal came amid internal tensions within the Israeli government over the handling of national security issues, including Gallant’s stance on a daycare bill, his opposition to Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis, and his calls for the establishment of a National Commission of Inquiry into the events of October 7, when Hamas launched its deadly assault on Israel.
Despite the fallout, Gallant remained focused on the future security needs of Israel. “I believe that the security challenges will increase significantly, which means we will need more resources,” Gallant noted, emphasizing the need for increased troop enlistment and military preparedness.
He urged that Israel’s defense capabilities must be expanded, highlighting the vital role of “thousands of people who bear the burden” of safeguarding the nation.
Gallant’s firing has sparked controversy, with critics questioning Netanyahu’s decision to remove a key figure in Israel’s defense during a time of heightened security threats.
Some have argued that the move was politically motivated, especially given Gallant’s public disagreements with the prime minister on several critical issues.
In his final remarks to the IDF General Staff, Gallant remained resolute, reaffirming his commitment to the safety and security of Israel.
The leadership transition at the Ministry of Defense now sees Foreign Minister Israel Katz stepping into the role, a move that is expected to have significant implications for the ongoing military operations and Israel’s broader security strategy.
As Gallant exits the defense ministry, his legacy in shaping Israel’s military strategy and his leadership during one of the country’s most challenging security environments will likely continue to resonate within the IDF and the broader Israeli political landscape.