The Media Line: Report: Netanyahu Considering Firing Defense Minister, Eyes Sa’ar as Successor

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Report: Netanyahu Considering Firing Defense Minister, Eyes Sa’ar as Successor

By The Media Line Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and is considering appointing New Hope chairman Gideon Sa’ar as his replacement, according to a report by national broadcaster Kan, which cited an official within the Prime Minister’s Bureau.

The possibility of Gallant’s ouster has been the subject of speculation for months. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir tweeted that he has been demanding Gallant’s removal for some time and believes the time has come for it to happen immediately.

In recent months, rumors have circulated about Netanyahu’s intentions to replace Gallant, with Sa’ar denying in July that he had received any offer that would bring him back into the coalition. In August, Channel 12 reported that discussions about Sa’ar taking over the Defense Ministry broke down after Netanyahu’s wife and advisers reportedly expressed distrust in the former Likud politician as defense minister.

Despite these reports, both Netanyahu’s office and Sa’ar have denied any ongoing negotiations. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement declaring that the reports of discussions with Sa’ar are “incorrect,” while a spokesman for Sa’ar stated, “There is nothing new in this matter.”

Tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant have been brewing since March 2023, when Netanyahu initially announced Gallant’s dismissal over his criticism of the government’s judicial overhaul, only to reverse the decision two weeks later under significant public pressure.