- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over opposition to judicial reform plans
- The decision sparks anger among protesters and opposition lawmakers
- Widespread demonstrations have plagued Israel for weeks over the proposal that some say undermines the independence of the judiciary
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew criticism and sparked outrage after firing the defense minister who opposed his government's planned judicial system reform, Yoav Gallant.
The official previously caused chaos within the government after he called for a pause on controversial plans to overhaul Israel's judicial system. Netanyahu's office announced the removal of Gallant in a one-line statement that came a day after he became the first member of the cabinet to go against the controversial proposals.
Benjamin Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
The plans have also ignited widespread protests, with demonstrators and opposition lawmakers arguing that the reform would destroy the country's democratic system. Gallant's remarks were made on Saturday night when Netanyahu was out of the country for an official visit to the United Kingdom.
Several military reservists have also pledged to pull out of their service to oppose the judicial reform plans. Critics argued that the proposal would undermine the independence of Israel's judiciary, as per CNN.
Gallant also argued that if Netanyahu's government pushes through with the judicial reform proposal, it could threaten the country's security. On Monday, three Israeli government ministers, all members of the prime minister's Likud party, suggested that the judicial overhaul legislation should stop.
In a Twitter post, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar said that when the house is on fire, it is not the time to ask questions but pour water and save the people inside. He argued that they would support Netanyahu if he decided to back down and prevent the rift the proposal has created in the country.
On the other hand, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who previously served as the mayor of Jerusalem, said that the prime minister should "stop and recalculate" his judicial overhaul plan. He warned that the bill had brought Israel to the brink of a civil war.
Protests Opposing Planned Judicial Reform
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of Israel's various cities on Sunday in another outburst of anger related to the judicial reform plans and following the firing of Gallant. According to CBS News, people who demonstrated in Tel Aviv blocked a main highway and lit large bonfires in the area.
Law enforcement personnel also scuffled with protesters gathered outside of Prime Minister Netanyahu's private home in Jerusalem. The unrest in the country deepened and has alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs, drawing condemnation from the United States and other close international allies.
In a Sunday tweet, Netanyahu said that everyone should stand up firmly against refusals to his judicial reform plans. Following the incident with Gallant, the Consul General of Israel in New York, Asaf Zamir, resigned from his post. Furthermore, a member of the left-wing Meretz party, Yair Golan urged other representatives of Israel in global embassies to resign immediately, said Fox News.
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