Israeli opposition leaders forcefully condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his controversial dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, labeling him unfit for office. In a joint press conference at the Knesset, opposition figures criticized Netanyahu for what they described as a politically motivated decision that undermines Israel’s security during ongoing conflicts.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the firing as “an act of insanity by an incompetent prime minister,” asserting that it weakens Israel’s defense capabilities. Lapid, standing alongside National Unity leader Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beytenu’s Avigdor Liberman, and The Democrats’ Yair Golan, accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political gain over national security. Lapid argued that Gallant’s dismissal was tied to the minister’s opposition to a controversial bill that would grant Haredi communities exemptions from mandatory military service, a measure critics see as politically appeasing the ultra-Orthodox community.

Recalling his military experience, Gantz warned that Netanyahu’s actions sent a dangerous message to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He expressed concern that firing Gallant, who had issued conscription orders for the IDF, would deepen divisions within the country, jeopardizing national unity and security.

Liberman emphasized the potential risks to national stability, claiming Gallant’s removal would embolden Israel’s adversaries and erode public confidence in the government. He called on members of Netanyahu’s Likud party and Religious Zionism to reject what he termed “political bribery” and to put Israel’s security above political interests.

Yair Golan took a more direct stance, labeling Netanyahu’s government as “illegitimate” and vowing to intensify opposition efforts. The opposition leaders urged coalition members to abandon their support for Netanyahu’s government, asserting that the country’s patriotism must come before political corruption.