Netanyahu Dismisses Defense Minister and Sparks Mass Protests Over Judicial Overhaul Plan

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a former army general, after he called for a halt to the planned overhaul of Israel’s judiciary. The dismissal signals that Netanyahu will move ahead this week with the plan, which has sparked mass protests, angered military and business leaders, and raised concerns among Israel’s allies.

The plan has been fiercely divided in the country and has prompted growing discontent within the ranks of the military. In response to the news of Gallant’s dismissal, tens of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets of cities across the country on Sunday night in a spontaneous outburst of anger.

In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a main highway and lit a large bonfire, while police scuffled with protesters who gathered outside Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem. The unrest has deepened a monthslong crisis over the judicial overhaul plan.

The plan has alarmed business and military leaders, who worry that it will weaken the independence of the judiciary and undermine the rule of law. It has also sparked mass protests, with many demonstrators calling for Netanyahu to resign.

The Israeli Prime Minister has yet to comment on the dismissal of his defense minister or the protests that have followed. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.