Full text of Netanyahu speech: I fired Gallant amid crisis of faith that helped enemies

Full text of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement to the nation after he fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 5, 2024:

Citizens of Israel, my highest obligation as prime minister of Israel is to ensure Israel’s security and lead us to absolute victory.

In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust between the prime minister and the defense minister is required.

Unfortunately, even though in the early months of the campaign there was such trust and very productive cooperation, in recent months, that trust has cracked.

Between me and Defense Minister Gallant, significant gaps emerged regarding the management of the campaign, and these gaps were accompanied by statements and actions that contradicted government decisions and cabinet decisions.

I made many attempts to bridge these gaps, but they only widened. They even became known to the public in an inappropriate manner, and worse still, they reached our enemies — who took pleasure in this and derived significant benefit from it.

Anyone who knows me is aware that I welcome differing opinions in open debates; that’s how I conduct discussions, evaluations, and decision-making. Everyone knows this.

But the crisis of faith between me and the defense minister became public knowledge, and this crisis now hinders the proper management of the campaign.

It’s not just me saying this; the majority of the government and most of the cabinet members, almost all of them, share this feeling that this situation cannot continue.

Therefore, I have decided today to end the defense minister’s tenure.

In his place, I have decided to appoint Minister Israel Katz.

Israel Katz has already proven his capabilities and his contribution to national security as foreign minister, finance minister, and intelligence minister for five years, and just as importantly, as a member of the Security Cabinet for many long years.

He brings with him an impressive combination of extensive experience and effective execution skills. He is known as a bulldozer who combines responsibility with quiet determination, and all these qualities are crucial for managing the campaign.

Additionally, today I spoke with Minister Gideon Sa’ar and invited him to join the coalition with his party and to serve as foreign minister.

As a long-time government member and Security Cabinet member, Gideon Sa’ar brings with him significant experience and sound judgment in the fields of policy and security, and he will be a substantial addition to our leadership team.

His and his party’s joining will add to the coalition’s stability and the government’s stability, which are extremely important at all times, especially in times of war.

I am confident that these steps will strengthen the government and the cabinet, making them harmonious and cooperative bodies, working together for the security of the State of Israel, for the citizens of Israel, and for our victory.