Outgoing Defense Minister Yoav Galant speaks to the media for the first time since Prime Minister Netanyahu announced his dismissal and replaced him with Minister Israel Katz.
Gallant opened his statement and revealed: "A few minutes before 8:00 PM, the Prime Minister informed me that he had decided to dismiss me as Minister of Defense. I clarified to him that my priorities remain constant and clear throughout my public life: the State of Israel, the IDF, and the security establishment."
Gallant continued his remarks and explained: "The decision comes after the achievements of the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the security system, which were prepared in Gaza, in the West Bank, and in Lebanon. And we eliminated the terrorists around the world, prepared in Iran in a lethal operation. I am proud of the achievements of the defense system."
The minister continued and announced with excitement: "I trust the soldiers, I trust the state. Israel's security has been my life's mission, and I am committed to it. Since October 7th, I have focused solely on victory, leading the security system to achieve this goal while supporting the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the Ministry of Defense."
Gallant continued and claimed that the reason for his dismissal stems from three disagreements between him and the Prime Minister: "These dismissals come as a result of a disagreement on three issues, my stance that those who are of conscription age must be conscripted. This issue is not just a social matter but a central issue for our existence and future, the security of the State of Israel and the people living in Zion, and the wars are not over. Under these circumstances, everyone must serve in the IDF. It is unacceptable to allow a discriminatory and corrupt law to pass in the Knesset and exempt thousands of citizens from bearing the burden."
The outgoing Minister of Defense continued and explained: "The second issue is our moral obligation to bring back hostages. We must do this as quickly as possible while they are still alive. In my capacity, I determine that this is achievable. It is possible to bring back hostages, it involves compromises, some of which are painful. The State of Israel will know how to handle it."
Gallant continued and argued that the third issue is the demand for an in-depth investigation of the failure on October 7th: "The third issue is to draw lessons after a thorough and objective inquiry; when it comes to the political-military level, there is a name for it, a state commission of inquiry."
Gallant concluded his remarks and stated: "I have been responsible in the security system for the past two years, I take full responsibility for the successes and failures. I clearly state here that we still face challenges against Iran. I did not allow and will not allow any harm to the IDF and security organizations. When a moral darkness envelops us, I cling to the compass of my hope that our public representatives will adopt it too."