Report: Netanyahu’s associates considering having Gallant fired during Knesset recess

Associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are considering whether Defense Minister Yoav Gallant should be fired in the coming months, due to what they say is his break from positions held by the coalition, Channel 12 reports.

According to the report, Netanyahu’s associates believe that Gallant is no longer beholden to the governing coalition, and as such must be removed from the role of defense minister. The associates have also accused him of being the source of leaks that have emerged from cabinet meetings in recent months.

The report claims that those close to the prime minister believe that if he is to be fired, it should be done during the Knesset’s upcoming summer recess, to avoid the possibility of it triggering elections.

The Prime Minister’s Office denies the report and insists that there is no animosity between the premier and the defense minister.

Gallant was fired by Netanyahu in March 2023 after he called for the government to pause its controversial judicial overhaul legislation. He was reinstated a month later when Netanyahu reversed his decision.