What's happened
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strengthened his position following the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, amid ongoing protests and military conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The political landscape shifts as Netanyahu's coalition remains intact and the U.S. election results favor his leadership.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jason Burke in The Guardian, Netanyahu's political resilience is surprising given the public's blame for the failures leading to Hamas's attacks. He notes, 'He never blinks. He has an internal compass and he follows that regardless of what is happening around him.' Meanwhile, Hannah Moore highlights the protests following Gallant's dismissal, stating that 'thousands of people carrying Israeli flags... blocked roads in central Tel Aviv.' This indicates a significant public backlash against Netanyahu's leadership. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar from The Independent emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Gallant's firing during wartime, calling it 'politics at the expense of national security.' These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex dynamics at play in Israeli politics as Netanyahu navigates both internal dissent and external military pressures.
How we got here
Netanyahu's recent actions, including the firing of Gallant, come during a tumultuous period marked by widespread protests against his leadership and ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Gallant's dismissal has raised concerns about the future of Israeli military strategy and domestic stability.
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Yoav Galant is an Israeli politician and former commander of the Southern Command in the Israel Defense Forces. In January 2015, he entered politics, joining the new Kulanu party.
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