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Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was met with a rousing ovation on Saturday night as he made a rare public appearance at a Shlomo Artzi concert in Binyamina, just days after his abrupt dismissal from his post by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gallant, who arrived with several security personnel, was greeted with standing applause from the audience as he entered the Zappa Amphi Shuni amphitheater.
The concert, held in honor of Artzi’s legendary career, featured the artist’s 1986 hit “Hom Yuli August,” which reflects on Israel’s 1967-1970 War of Attrition.
This marked one of Gallant’s first public outings since Netanyahu fired him from his position as defense minister on Tuesday.
The dismissal came after months of public tension between the two men, culminating in disagreements over matters such as the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox, negotiations with Hamas, and the creation of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack.
In a statement following his removal, Gallant asserted that he had been dismissed over these differences, particularly regarding his stance on the ultra-Orthodox draft and national security issues.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, claimed that Gallant had contradicted cabinet decisions and had acted in ways that undermined the government, even indirectly supporting Israel’s enemies.
Gallant’s firing sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While opposition members expressed outrage, some in the coalition celebrated the move, criticizing Gallant’s approach to the war and other policies.
Gallant had previously been dismissed in March 2023 over his opposition to Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul, a decision that led to mass protests and forced Netanyahu to backtrack. This time, however, the protests were less intense.
Gallant’s reception at the concert in Binyamina drew further political controversy. Video footage of the warm applause quickly circulated online, eliciting responses from several political figures.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli took to social media to condemn the support Gallant received from the predominantly left-leaning audience, questioning whether Gallant truly belonged to the “national camp” led by Netanyahu.
On the other hand, MK Ahmad Tibi of the Arab nationalist Ta’al party offered a different critique, questioning the applause for a general he claimed was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, including many children.
Tibi’s comment underscored the deep divisions in Israeli politics regarding Gallant’s legacy and his role in military operations. Gallant’s future in Israeli politics remains uncertain as the fallout from his dismissal continues to reverberate across the country.
His appearance at Artzi’s concert, however, highlights the complexities surrounding his political career, which continues to spark debate among Israelis of all political affiliations.