The shakeup in Israel’s government took a dramatic turn Friday as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant formally stepped down, replaced by longtime Netanyahu ally Israel Katz. Gallant’s dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked an uproar, with thousands of Israelis protesting what many view as the ouster of a moderate voice in an increasingly hardline government. Public concern is mounting that Netanyahu’s administration may deprioritize efforts to secure the return of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
Katz, a veteran Cabinet minister, steps into the role at a tense time as Gaza faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Amid U.S. pressure, Israel’s COGAT agency announced preparations to open an additional aid crossing into Gaza, though details remain sparse as to when and where this aid will reach. UN officials report that Israel’s ongoing northern offensive in Gaza has cut off access for up to 95,000 Palestinians, leaving them without critical supplies.
The Israeli military also confirmed that 300 truckloads of aid from the UAE will soon enter Gaza—a significant step, yet still shy of the U.S.-recommended 350 trucks per day. The situation continues to raise questions about Israel’s strategy in Gaza and the political stability of Netanyahu’s government.
