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Israeli Opposition: Gallant's Dismissal is a Stab to State Security in Wartime
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Angry statements by Israeli opposition leaders reflect the scale of internal division Israel is experiencing amid a multi-front war threatening its national security
Israeli opposition leaders strongly condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss his defense minister on Wednesday, warning of the implications of this move on national security during wartime.
Opposition leaders, during a joint press conference in Jerusalem, accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political calculations over national interest following the dismissal of Yoav Gallant.
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid attacked this decision, saying: "He had a choice between disgrace and war, and he chose disgrace," at a time when Israel faces multiple military challenges. Lapid added, targeting Netanyahu: "Our soldiers cannot trust him, Israeli citizens cannot trust him, yesterday all of Israel saw that."
Opposition leader Benny Gantz, who withdrew from Netanyahu's government in June protesting the absence of a post-Gaza war plan, characterized the timing of this decision as "absolute security negligence."
He continued questioning: "How should our fighters in Lebanon think today after the Defense Minister was dismissed following his issuance of conscription orders," referring to the decision to draft 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews who are exempt from military service.
The conscription orders coincided with Tel Aviv's efforts to reinforce its forces facing Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Gantz warned, saying: "We have already seen what our enemies do when they see us torn from within."
Yair Golan from the Labor Party participated in the conference, describing Netanyahu and his government as "illegitimate" and calling on Israelis to "strongly object." Golan suggested: "Only if we all decide not to come to work until elections, only then will the government realize it doesn't have the ability to govern."
Right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman suggested that Gallant's dismissal aims to "enable exemption laws" dedicated to exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service. Lieberman added: "It's clear that such a move primarily harms the country's security and national unity."
Thousands of Israelis flooded Tel Aviv's streets Tuesday evening protesting Gallant's dismissal, demanding the government intensify efforts to recover those held in Gaza.
Netanyahu appointed his Foreign Minister Israel Katz as Defense Minister, while Gideon Sa'ar, known for his hardline positions, took over the Foreign Affairs portfolio.
Levant-Agencies
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