![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/11/05/18/Israel_Palestinians__99310.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement.
Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds throughout the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival.
A previous attempt to fire Gallant in March 2023 sparked widespread street protests against Netanyahu.
The prime minister announced his decision late Tuesday.