Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday after a series of public disputes over the ongoing Gaza conflict. Gallant, a strong proponent of Israel’s military approach toward Hezbollah, had recently advocated for a ceasefire and a hostage release deal in Gaza, escalating tensions with Netanyahu. His removal coincides with the ongoing U.S. elections, a pivotal moment for Israel’s primary ally.

Netanyahu’s office stated that a breakdown in trust between the Prime Minister and Gallant led to the decision. Gallant was replaced by Israel Katz, a former diplomat, while Gideon Saar took over Katz’s role as Foreign Minister.

After his dismissal, Gallant reaffirmed his dedication to Israel’s security, calling it his life’s mission. His removal follows Israel’s extensive military operations in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s deadly October 7 attack on Israel, which claimed 1,206 Israeli lives, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli sources.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported over 43,000 Palestinian deaths in the retaliatory strikes, with the majority of casualties being civilians.

Rocket and Drone Attacks
The conflict continued to escalate on multiple fronts. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions, including a deadly strike in Jiyeh, south of Beirut, killing one and injuring 20 others. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel and attacked Israeli forces near the border. The clashes have intensified since Hezbollah entered the conflict in late September.

In Syria, Israeli forces struck weapons storage facilities in Al-Qusayr near the Lebanese border, marking the second attack in the area within a week. No casualties were reported.

West Bank Unrest
Violence also persisted in the West Bank, where Israeli forces killed seven Palestinians in separate incidents. According to Palestinian officials, this raises the Palestinian death toll in the West Bank to at least 757 since the Gaza war began, while Palestinian attacks in the region have resulted in 24 Israeli deaths.

Hope Amid Despair
In Gaza, many residents are looking toward the United States for a potential resolution. Ayman al-Omreiti, a 45-year-old Gazan, expressed hope for a U.S. leader who could end the conflict, saying, “We are hanging by a thread, and like everyone else, we seek someone who can bring an end to this war.”