JERUSALEM: Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has resigned from the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, to end his political affiliation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Gallant, once considered a close ally of Netanyahu, submitted his resignation after a series of controversies that strained their relationship. Last year, as defense minister, Gallant approved the conscription of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli army following a Supreme Court ruling. The decision sparked a strong reaction in the country.
Tensions between Gallant and Netanyahu escalated over disagreements over the Gaza ceasefire, ultimately leading to Gallant’s dismissal from office in November.
Following Gallant’s dismissal, Netanyahu issued a video statement explaining his decision, citing a breakdown in trust during the final months of Gallant’s tenure, despite his initial cooperation in the early days of the conflict.
Gallant’s resignation has drawn attention to ongoing divisions within Israel’s political landscape, particularly regarding defense policies and military reform.
