FORMER Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has stepped down from the Knesset, marking a significant turn in his political journey. His resignation follows his dismissal from the role of Defence Minister less than two months ago.
Gallant made the announcement on Wednesday evening, and in his statement, he openly criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of undermining national security.
Despite leaving his ministerial post, Gallant confirmed that he would remain a member of the Likud party, Netanyahu’s political base. In his resignation speech, he expressed pride in his political and military contributions, notably his role in diminishing the military power of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
As Defence Minister, Gallant also took responsibility for Israel’s strategy during the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing conflict.
Gallant reflected on his career in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which spanned over 35 years, and his decade-long service in the Knesset. He described his two years as Defence Minister as being particularly dramatic and filled with significant challenges.
Despite resigning from his position, Gallant made it clear that his political journey was far from over. He hinted at a possible return to the political stage to challenge for the leadership of his party in the future.
Gallant’s connection to Likud is long-standing. He spoke passionately about his commitment to the movement, tracing his loyalty back to his first vote for the Likud party and his partnership in Menachem Begin’s revolutionary efforts.
He firmly believes in the party’s principles, stating that he trusts both its members and its voters. His resignation did not indicate an end to his involvement with Likud, and Gallant made it clear he would continue to champion its national and ideological path.
A significant part of Gallant’s criticism was aimed at Netanyahu and Israel’s current Defence Minister, Israel Katz. Gallant argued that the government was putting national security at risk by endorsing a law that grants military exemptions to a large portion of the ultra-Orthodox community.
For Gallant, conscripting the ultra-Orthodox population into the military was crucial to the country’s security.
He also raised concerns over the government’s controversial judicial overhaul, which he viewed as a direct and present threat to Israel’s democratic values. Gallant stated that he had warned of the potential dangers posed by this overhaul even before the tragic attacks of October 7.
Another point of contention for Gallant was the government’s failure to secure the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. He stressed that Israel’s true victory would only be realised when these hostages were safely brought home.
Gallant’s resignation comes shortly after his dismissal by Netanyahu in early November. Since then, Gallant had distanced himself from several key votes within the Knesset, including the critical budget bill passed this past Tuesday.
Netanyahu, who had been recovering from surgery, had to leave his hospital bed to personally ensure the bill passed, despite opposition from members of the far-right and ultra-Orthodox factions of the coalition.
Gallant’s departure from the Knesset has led to the expectation that he will be replaced by Abed Afif, a representative of the Druze minority. Afif, who had secured the 44th spot on the Likud party’s list in the 2022 elections, is set to become the only Druze lawmaker within the current governing coalition.
