Netanyahu intends to replace Defense Ministers, insert longtime right wing demi-rival Gideon Saar, overcoming impasse preventing law exempting most Haredim from draft.

Israel is bracing for significant political and military changes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The move comes amid internal disputes over key security strategies and the contentious Haredi draft law, all while the nation faces intensifying conflict on both the northern and southern fronts. Gallant’s dismissal, reportedly imminent, reflects his firm opposition to a proposed law that would exempt ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men from military service—an issue that has contributed to his growing rift with Netanyahu​.

Political Upheaval Amid War

Gallant’s stance on the Haredi draft law has placed him at odds with Netanyahu, who is under pressure from ultra-Orthodox coalition partners to ensure that Haredi men remain exempt from compulsory military service. Gallant opposed the exemption during a time when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face critical manpower shortages, particularly with ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza​. His opposition to the legislation, which is seen as a political necessity for Netanyahu’s coalition, may have sealed his fate. Netanyahu is expected to replace Gallant with Gideon Sa’ar, a former rival and leader of the New Hope party, who is more likely to support the bill​.

A Time of Heightened Tensions

This political shakeup is particularly alarming as Israel’s northern border is under daily rocket and missile fire from Hezbollah. Gallant has been a vocal advocate for military action to secure the return of northern residents, which puts him in direct conflict with Netanyahu’s more cautious approach. In contrast, Sa’ar is expected to align more closely with Netanyahu on the Haredi draft law while navigating the complex military situation on Israel’s borders.

The Haredi Draft Law Controversy

At the heart of the current political crisis is the Haredi draft law, which has been a source of friction between secular and religious communities in Israel for decades. Haredi men are generally exempt from military service in exchange for religious study, a practice that has been widely criticized as unfair by other segments of Israeli society. Gallant, who has served in various senior military roles, believes that all Israeli citizens should share the burden of national defense, especially during a time of war. His refusal to back the exemption has drawn the ire of Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners​.

Gallant’s opposition is not merely ideological; the IDF has been struggling with manpower shortages as the conflict on both the northern and southern fronts intensifies. The draft law, if passed, would continue to exempt thousands of Haredi men from service, exacerbating the strain on the military. Netanyahu, however, is relying on the support of Haredi parties to maintain his fragile coalition, which makes the passage of this law a political necessity​(

Military Strategy in the North

While the Haredi draft law is a domestic issue, its implications are deeply intertwined with Israel’s security situation. Gallant has been a staunch advocate for more aggressive military action against Hezbollah, warning that diplomatic solutions are no longer viable. He has called for a large-scale ground incursion to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, a strategy that Netanyahu has been hesitant to approve, wary of the broader regional implications​(

With Gallant’s impending removal, there are growing concerns about how the new defense leadership, under Sa’ar, would handle the Hezbollah threat. Sa’ar has been a vocal critic of Gallant’s more hawkish strategies and may pursue a more cautious approach. However, with the draft law looming over his appointment, Sa’ar’s ability to navigate the military challenges on Israel’s borders while maintaining political support at home will be tested​(

Concerns from the Public and Military

The potential dismissal of Gallant has sparked a wave of criticism from across Israel’s political spectrum. Opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, have condemned Netanyahu’s focus on internal politics at a time of national crisis. Gantz, himself a former IDF chief of staff, warned that replacing the defense minister just as Israel prepares for a northern offensive could jeopardize the country’s security​.

Gantz has also accused Netanyahu of prioritizing the Haredi draft law over the nation’s military readiness, a move that he believes endangers Israel’s security.

Military officials have expressed concern that changing defense leadership at this critical juncture could disrupt ongoing operations. With Israeli forces on the verge of launching a major offensive against Hezbollah, the security establishment is wary of how Sa’ar’s leadership will impact military strategy. Gallant, despite his political differences with Netanyahu, has been a steadfast supporter of the military’s more aggressive approach​. His removal could signal a shift in how Israel handles its northern border, where Hezbollah has been increasing its provocations. Most analysts are expecting a lightning pre-emptive strike and land advance.

Broader Implications

The shakeup in Israel’s defense leadership could have wide-reaching implications, not only for the war effort but also for the country’s political and economic stability. Business leaders have warned that Gallant’s dismissal could further destabilize Israel’s economy, which has already been battered by war and political uncertainty. The shekel has weakened amid speculation about Gallant’s removal, and concerns are mounting that the political turmoil could hinder Israel’s ability to maintain unity in the face of ongoing conflict​.

As Israel gears up for potentially intensified military action on both the northern and southern fronts, the country faces a delicate balancing act. The Haredi draft law remains a flashpoint of contention, with Gallant’s removal signaling a possible shift in the government’s priorities. Whether Sa’ar can navigate these political and military challenges remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Israel is entering a critical phase in its conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas, with the outcome set to shape the nation’s security and political landscape for months to come.