NETANYAHU’S DRAMATIC MOVE ISN’T A GOOD ONE – BUT IT IS RISKY – AND HAS NO GOOD SOLUTION.
These dramatic moves can be dangerous.
Gallant was not the only one to express concern about the Israeli protests.
Shin Bet’s head of internal intelligence, Shin Bet, and the IDF chief-of-staff have warned about the negative effects of reforms on Israel’s security.
Protest by hundreds of Israeli military reservists, they have taken to the streets and threatened the military’s operational capabilities.
Mr Netanyahu is siding with far-right voices in his coalition by firing Gallant. This effectively means that he is supporting the people who are entrusted to Israel’s security.
Benny Gantz (the previous defense minister) has accused Netanyahu of placing “politics and his own security above all else”.
Yaid Lapid, the main opposition leader, and former prime minister, described it as “an act de madness” that indicated a complete lack in judgment.
Gallant stated that he tried to voice his concerns privately and asked for cabinet meetings to discuss a better way forward.
He was ignored and has been given a slap on the face for expressing his opinions in public.
The security situation is still fragile in the West Bank, as it has been for many decades.
The talk of a Third Intifada has increased and Ramadan, a holy Muslim month, is being seen to be a pivotal moment.
It is a difficult decision to remove the defense minister at this time.
Three other members of Mr Netanyahu’s party supported Mr Gallant when he spoke out last evening.
His firing could make those views more extreme and put at risk Mr Netanyahu’s four-member majority in the Knesset. Others who have doubts might feel the need to express their opinions.
Both sides are not backing down. The number of national demonstrations is increasing almost daily and Mr Netanyahu stated that he will continue to push for reforms at the same pace as before the Passover recess.
It’s difficult to imagine a solution for Israel’s current crisis.