Amid Israel’s escalating regional conflicts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly hinted to his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant could face dismissal following Israel’s latest strike on Iran. The internal tensions are playing out as Gallant openly criticized the government’s lack of a clear strategy, describing the ongoing military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and now Iran as a “war without a compass.” Netanyahu, however, countered that the objectives have “recently been expanded,” emphasizing a broadening scope that appears to push beyond established plans.
The suggestion of Gallant’s potential dismissal is layered with Israel’s complex internal politics. Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, has consistently clashed with coalition leaders over military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community, or Haredim. These exemptions, which have been a polarizing issue for years, are championed by Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox partners, who threatened a coalition crisis if the conscription law is not passed. This law would solidify military service exemptions for Haredi men, a point of contention that Gallant argues should be based on national consensus, as it impacts military cohesiveness and societal unity.
Tensions within Netanyahu’s government have been simmering for months. The ultra-Orthodox parties, vital to Netanyahu’s governing coalition, have grown frustrated over delays in advancing the conscription law. Over the weekend, Haredi lawmakers boycotted the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, pressuring Netanyahu to act. While Netanyahu has attempted to reassure his coalition partners, he has reportedly asked them to hold off on escalating the crisis, implying that Gallant’s position might be revisited once the “security tension with Iran” subsides.
This political turbulence comes at a delicate time for Netanyahu, who faces pressure both domestically and internationally. While the ultra-Orthodox conscription exemption remains central to maintaining his coalition’s support, Gallant’s reluctance to proceed without national backing highlights a critical fault line. Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox partners demand swift action on the conscription law, yet Gallant warns of the repercussions on Israel’s military strength and social fabric. Gallant’s stance underscores the broader challenge Netanyahu faces as he tries to balance the demands of his coalition with the need for a unified military and public consensus amid escalating regional threats.
Netanyahu’s government now sits at a crossroads. The implications of this power struggle reach beyond conscription; they reveal deep-seated divides that could reshape Israeli policy on national service, defense, and the role of religion in public life. While Netanyahu has attempted to sideline the issue temporarily, his remarks about Gallant’s potential dismissal suggest that the Defense Minister’s position could soon be on the line. With Israel entangled in a multi-front conflict and coalition stability in question, the next moves could redefine Israel’s approach both at home and abroad.
