Tel Aviv, January 2 (NationPress) Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has officially declared his resignation from the Knesset, just shy of two months after his removal from the ministerial position, according to local media sources.
Gallant made this declaration on Wednesday evening, expressing his discontent with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration for undermining the nation's security. Despite stepping down, Gallant confirmed his intention to stay within the ranks of Netanyahu's Likud party.
In a statement covered by Israeli media, Gallant took pride in his political and military achievements, asserting that he had “partially” dismantled the military capabilities of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
As a former defence minister, he also accepted accountability for Israel's response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas incursion and the continuing conflict, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Reflecting on his tenure, Gallant emphasized his extensive service of 35 years in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a decade spent as a Knesset member, and two years in the role of Defence Minister, which he characterized as “dramatic.”
He indicated that his political journey is not concluded and hinted at a possible return to vie for the party leadership.
“As a member of the Likud movement, I will continue to advocate for the movement's direction. My path is the Likud path, and I have faith in its principles and its members and voters. Since I cast my vote for the Likud party for the very first time and was an ally in Menachem Begin's revolution, I have remained steadfast to the movement's national and ideological course,” Gallant expressed.
He criticized Netanyahu and current Defence Minister Israel Katz for endangering national security by supporting legislation that grants military exemptions to a significant portion of the ultra-Orthodox community. Gallant argued that the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox is a “military necessity.”
Gallant also voiced concerns regarding the government's judicial reforms, which he described as a “clear and immediate danger” to Israel. He noted that he had cautioned against this risk prior to the October 7 attacks.
Moreover, he challenged the government for not ensuring the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. “There can be no victory until they are brought back home,” he stated.
After delivering his remarks, Gallant submitted his resignation to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Since his ousting by Netanyahu on November 5, Gallant had missed several pivotal coalition votes, including a crucial budget bill that passed on Tuesday. Netanyahu had to leave his hospital recovery to secure the bill’s approval amid opposition from far-right and ultra-Orthodox coalition members.
Local media also indicate that Gallant is anticipated to be succeeded in the Knesset by Abed Afif, a representative of the Druze minority. Afif, who occupied the 44th position on the Likud party list during the 2022 elections, would become the sole Druze lawmaker within the governing coalition.
-- IANS
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