Published: 11 April 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
PM blames protestors for military escalation but reinstates former general Yoav Gallant, whom he sacked for wanting the judicial review pause.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has walked back his decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at a press conference on Monday, where he also blamed the opposition for Israel's terror wave and deteriorating security situation.
Shortly after Netanyahu finished his speech, hundreds of people took to Tel Aviv's streets to protest his remarks. Three people were arrested as protesters blocked the central intersection at Kaplan street in the city center, as well as the Ayalon highway.
Netanyahu fired Gallant two weeks ago after the defense minister called on him to halt the government's legislative blitz on Israel's judiciary, but has never provided him with a formal notice of his dismissal. Gallant has continued in the role as the security situation in Israel worsened over the past week.
Gallant's dismissal sparked mass demonstrations. A day later, Netanyahu announced that he was suspending the legislation until the Knesset resumes in late April.
Gallant tweeted shortly after Netanyahu's speech: "We are continuing together with full force, for the sake of Israel's security."
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