Netanyahu Denies Discussing Defense Minister Post with Opposition Lawmaker

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Facts

  • The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied on Monday that the prime minister was negotiating with opposition lawmaker Gideon Sa'ar regarding his potential appointment as defense minister.[1]
  • Israeli media reports have indicated that Netanyahu plans on sacking Israel's current defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over disagreements regarding Israel's handling of the war in Gaza and draft laws to increase the number of Haredi men in the military. Netanyahu's statement didn't mention Gallant.[2]
  • Israeli media reported later on Monday that negotiations between Netanyahu and Sa'ar — the leader of the New Hope party — have been settled and Saar's appointment as Defense Minister would come soon barring any last-minute changes.[3]
  • Sa'ar's office said on Monday 'There is nothing new.' The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that appointing Sa'ar as defense minister 'would be tantamount to the prime minister admitting he has abandoned the hostages for good.'[4]
  • US Envoy Amos Hochstein met with Gallant on Monday to discuss the situation on the Lebanese border, meeting with Netanyahu as well afterward. Gallant reiterated that Israel would use military action if an agreement with Hezbollah isn't reached.[5]
  • A security cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday has been moved several times due to uncertainty regarding Gallant's potential firing, according to the Times of Israel.[6]

Sources: [1]Alarabiya, [2]Jerusalem Post, [3]Timesofisrael (a), [4]ISRAEL HAYOM, [5]The National and [6]Timesofisrael (b).

Narratives

  • Left narrative, as provided by Timesofisrael. Gallant is a highly experienced military official and has shown a strong track record that demonstrates the necessity of his position in Israel's security establishment. Given the fact that the war is still ongoing, firing Gallant at such a decisive time in the conflict could be disastrous.
  • Right narrative, as provided by Jns. Gallant has lost much legitimacy in the eyes of those in his own party due to his constant undermining of Israel's negotiating position. Though nothing is certain as of yet, Netanyahu is well within his right to sack Gallant over his incessant attacks on Israel's strategy to free hostages and destroy Hamas.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Palestine Chronicle. Gallant is a war criminal guilty of genocide due to his involvement in Israel's war on Gaza, and a new defense minister would have a marginal impact on the brutality under which Palestinians live. Indeed, Netanyahu wants an even more aggressive figure to take the role of defense minister.