Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu has fired his defence minister after the former army general called for a halt of a divisive overhaul of the country’s judiciary.
Yoav Gallant is a senior member of Mr Netanyahu‘s ruling Likud party, but broke ranks as an increasing number of Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Reservists have been going on strike in protest at the government’s plans.
The demonstrations have been growing week-on-week, and Saturday night saw the biggest turnout yet.
Further mass protests are planned for the coming week.
Mr Gallant called for a pause in the legislation until after next month’s Independence Day holidays, citing a threat to Israel’s national security.
On Saturday, he said: “I declare loudly and publicly, for the sake of Israel’s security, for the sake of our sons and daughters, the legislative process should be stopped.
“The victory of a single side, whether it be in the halls of the Knesset [Israeli parliament], or on the streets of our cities, will lead to a loss for the State of Israel.”
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Mr Netanyahu’s office did not provide further details, but his public diplomacy minister said Mr Gallant was told of his sacking after being summoned to the PM’s office.
He was told “that he doesn’t have any faith in him any more, and therefore he is fired”.
In a statement after his sacking, Mr Gallant said: “The security of the state of Israel has always been and will always remain the mission of my life.”
