Apparently still defense minister, Gallant warns Israel in ‘complex security period’

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was ostensibly ousted from his position, warns that Israel is in a “complex security period.”

Speaking at a pre-Passover holiday celebration at the Shin Bet security agency’s headquarters, Gallant says: “Iran is waging a war of attrition against Israel and at the same time advancing its plans to obtain military nuclear weapons.”

He says the potential for an escalation exists in each of the “arenas,” which could spread “and ignite other arenas along with it.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Gallant would be fired as defense minister, although he has yet to deliver him a formal letter notifying him of the dismissal.

Reports yesterday suggested Gallant is considering apologizing for the timing of his statement urging a halt to the government’s push to overhaul the judiciary, as part of a compromise aimed at keeping him in his post.