While the Israeli government is shaken by the dismissal of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, strikes continue on the ground. At least 20 people were killed on Tuesday (November 4) in an Israeli strike targeting a residential building south of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, the Health Ministry announced. This is the second Israeli strike on Tuesday against this region located outside the strongholds of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, against whom Israel entered war on September 23. Follow the situation in our live stream.
Surprise dismissal of Yoav Gallant. “In the midst of war, trust is more than ever required between the Prime Minister and his Minister of Defense” more “in recent months, this confidence has eroded”wrote Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a letter addressed to Yoav Gallant. “The last thing the State of Israel needs right now is upheaval and rupture in the middle of war”warned Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israel Katz inherited the post of Defense Minister.
Thousands of people demonstrate in Tel Aviv. Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to demonstrate against the dismissal of Yoav Gallant, and to ask his successor, Israel Katz, to prioritize an agreement on the return of hostages still held in Gaza.
Israel must ensure the return of the hostages “as long as they are alive”, underlines the sacked minister. “Our moral and ethical duty is to bring back (…) those kidnapped by Hamas. We must do it as quickly as possible and while they are alive”declared Yoav Gallant, during a televised speech, after his dismissal.
