Israel’s Netanyahu shows who calls the shots with Gallant sacking

Of course, in the merry-go-round world of Israeli politics, no-one will be shocked if this is not the last we hear from Gallant.

He has been sacked as defence minister once before, back in March 2023.

On that occasion, along with many high-ranking military and former military officials, he was unhappy with Netanyahu’s controversial plans to overhaul the judicial system.

His dismissal led to tens of thousands of Israelis taking to the streets calling for him to be reinstated.

After just a few days, Netanyahu was forced to back down and return Gallant to his position.

On Tuesday night, as news broke that he had been sacked again, there were again protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but not on the same scale.

Gallant, comes from the same political party, Likud, as Netanyahu and could one day challenge his leadership in any future elections.

But the fact he has been given his marching orders now suggests the prime minister is feeling strong.

As has been the case for the past year, it is Israel’s longest-serving leader, its most Machiavellian and successful political operator, who is calling the shots.