Yoav Gallant resigns from parliament, criticizing Netanyahu
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has resigned from his seat in parliament in protest of the exemption of Haredi Jews from military service. Gallant criticized the defense and security policies of the Netanyahu-led government, stating that they contradict the needs of the Israeli military.
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In Israel, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that he has resigned from his seat in parliament to protest the exemption of Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) from military service.
In a press statement broadcast on Israel's state television channel KAN, Gallant stated that he is resigning from his parliamentary seat but will remain a member of the Likud party led by Netanyahu.
Citing the law that exempts Haredim from military service—which is also supported by government members—as the reason for his resignation, Gallant argued that the government is supporting "a conscription law that contradicts the needs of the Israeli military and the security of the state."
CRITICIZED THE GOVERNMENT
Yoav Gallant criticized the government, claiming that he still believes in the values of the Likud party, of which he stated he would remain a member.
Describing the government's controversial judicial reform as a "clear and present danger," Gallant emphasized that Yisrael Katz, who succeeded him as defense minister, and Netanyahu are striving to keep Haredim exempt from military service, and that he cannot be a party to such a thing.
NETANYAHU HAD DISMISSED HIM
Netanyahu had dismissed Gallant on November 5, citing a "breakdown of trust" between them. The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Gallant, along with Netanyahu.