The leaders of the opposition’s four Jewish opposition parties convened in the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday for a rare press conference, in which they condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and replace him with fresh Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
The joint press conference marked a moment of unity among the Jewish part of the opposition, which has been criticized for its internal divisions and inability to act as a united front against government policies. The four were opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, National Unity chairman Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, and Democrats chairman Yair Golan.
The opposition’s two Arab parties, Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am, were not invited.
Lapid argued in his speech that “Gallant was fired solely for political reasons because he stood in Netanyahu’s way to pass draft exemption laws.
“He was dismissed because Netanyahu chose draft dodgers over those who serve,” Lapid said. He also criticized the silence of “spineless” Likud MKs, calling their inaction “a disgrace remembered forever.” According to Lapid, Netanyahu’s actions reflect his unfitness to lead, especially in wartime. “Our soldiers cannot rely on him. The citizens of Israel cannot trust him,” he said.
With support from other opposition party leaders, Yair Lapid speaks on the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 6, 2024. (credit: Marc Israel Sellem/Jerusalem Post)
A “second ‘October 6’ moment”
Gantz called the dismissal “absolute security negligence.” Addressing the decision’s impact, he stated, “A large majority of Knesset members from Religious Zionism and Likud understand that this political deal on the backs of IDF soldiers endangers our security. I call on them to show courage.”
Gantz shared a personal experience from the First Lebanon War, recalling his reassignment as a company commander upon his return from training with US Special Forces. He emphasized that he never doubted the motives of his leaders, noting that decisions always prioritized Israel’s security. Today, he fears soldiers in Lebanon might question their leaders’ intentions, especially after Gallant’s dismissal following the issuance of recruitment orders.
He warned against a “second ‘October 6’ moment,” referencing the deep social divisions that preceded the October 7 massacre. Gantz argued that dismissing Gallant to expedite legislation exempting haredim (ultra-Orthodox) from military service is a significant blow to both national security and morale. However, he maintained that the opposition would not waver in its commitment. “We sitting here today may disagree on many issues, but we represent not only 52 Knesset members. A large majority of the people is behind us, and a significant portion of Knesset members from Likud, Religious Zionism, and even haredi parties understand that Netanyahu must not be allowed to take us back to October 6.”
GANTZ URGED citizens and lawmakers alike to stand resolute. “We will fight together against the Prime Minister’s attempts to rule unchecked, undermining gatekeepers and heads of the security establishment. We will not allow our economy to be shaken or for only half the population to serve in the IDF and pay the price of our lives here just to keep the government stable,” he said, appealing for continued faith in the army and the country.
Concluding, Gantz expressed hope for a unified, secure Israel. “Together, as a majority, we will be determined to restore hope for safer, better days ahead. For unity, for victory, for the return of our captives and residents. We will fight for our future as a united people,” he said.
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Liberman said that “between the security of the state and the security of the coalition, Netanyahu chose to preserve the coalition and dismantle Israeli society.
“Anyone who follows Iranian media saw that there was a big celebration there yesterday. It’s clear that the dismissal of the defense minister harms the security of the country and national stability,” Liberman said.
Golan, speaking last Tuesday, said that Netanyahu had “forgotten what it means to be a bereaved brother.”
“His heart has hardened facing bereavement, for political interests and personal survival he is willing to harm the national interest and Israeli security.”
Golan called on Israelis to go on a general strike, and to utilize “rights given to us by law that we have yet to actualize.”
The differences in opinions between the leaders were noticeable at times. In response to a question about further cooperation with the Arab parties, Golan said that they could be “full partners” in issues that are not controversial. Liberman, however, said that comments by Arab party leaders were “extremely problematic.” Liberman has said in the past that he would be unwilling to be part of a coalition that included Arab parties.
The party leaders did not announce any new parliamentary or public measures they would now take. A spokesperson for Lapid did not immediately respond to a query over whether such steps existed.
The Likud Party said in response, “When the Left led by Golan, Lapid, Gantz, and Liberman stand by Gallant – that says everything. Just two years ago, the four of them formed a government with the Muslim Brotherhood and signed a surrender deal with Hezbollah – and they still dare talk about security?
“Just a few months ago, Liberman ridiculed Gallant and said that ‘ we do not have a defense minister, we have a minister who makes threats”; and two months ago, Gantz stated that Gallant must resign,” the Likud said.
Netanyahu and Katz will “lead Israel to total victory. They will continue complaining, and we will continue winning,” concluded the party.
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