Netanyahu planning to fire Gallant and then replace IDF chief, Shin Bet head — report

Citing sources among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close associates, Walla news reporter Tal Shalev says the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant “is not a matter of if, but when.”

Speaking on the Kan public broadcaster’s main evening news program, Shalev reports that Netanyahu wanted to can Gallant when he returned from his visit to the United States, but the planned dismissal was held up by Hezbollah’s deadly attack on Majdal Shams and the killing this week of two terror chiefs.

She adds that there are sources in Netanyahu’s circle who say that after replacing Gallant, the premier then plans to axe IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

The reported goal of firing of them would be to eliminate opposition to his handling of the negotiations for the return of hostages seized by Hamas on October 7 and their charges that he’s risking a deal, instead elevating officials in their place who would be dependent upon him and do his bidding.

The report notes that opposition New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar’s name continues to be floated as a potential candidate for defense minister, despite his denials, but Shalev says some of Netanyahu’s associates have reservations about Sa’ar — a former Likud member who previously challenged him unsuccessfully for the party’s leadership — and that there is talk of a possible general cabinet reshuffle to create the appearance that the prime minister is not just giving Gallant the boot.