Israel: Yoav Gallant Resigns From Knesset And Denounces Military Exemption For Ultra-Orthodox

Israel: Yoav Gallant Resigns From Knesset And Denounces Military Exemption For Ultra-Orthodox
Israel: Yoav Gallant Resigns From Knesset And Denounces Military Exemption For Ultra-Orthodox

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced his resignation from the Knesset this Wednesday evening, while remaining a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud. In a televised address, the veteran politician took stock of his decades of military and political service, claiming his role in weakening the military capabilities of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.

Gallant, who bears his share of responsibility for the events leading to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has sharply criticized some recent policies of his party. In particular, he described judicial reform as a “clear and immediate danger” and insisted on the need for “equal and complete” military recruitment of all Israelis, including the ultra-Orthodox, which he considers a “military necessity “.

The former minister linked his dismissal last November to his position on the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox, accusing Netanyahu and his successor Israel Katz of preparing their exemption from military service. “Like on the battlefield, there are times in politics when you have to stop to assess the situation and choose your path,” he said, suggesting his “journey is not over yet” .

Relations between Netanyahu and Gallant have been particularly tense since late 2022, with the prime minister having already fired him in March 2023 before reversing his decision in the face of intense public opposition. Gallant was notably absent during a crucial budget vote Tuesday evening, while Netanyahu left his post-surgery hospital bed to participate.

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