Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister on Sunday, a day after the former army general called for a halt to the planned overhaul of Israel’s judiciary that has fiercely divided the country.
Tens of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets in protest after Netanyahu's announcement, blocking Tel Aviv's main artery, transforming the Ayalon highway into a sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags and lighting a large bonfire in the middle of the road.
Gallant had voiced concerns that the divisions in society were hurting morale in the military and emboldening Israel’s enemies. “I see how the source of our strength is being eroded,” Gallant said. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that Gallant’s dismissal"harms national security and ignores warnings of all defense officials.”Avi Dichter, a former chief of the Shin Bet security agency, is expected to replace Gallant. Dichter had reportedly flirted with joining Gallant but instead announced Sunday he was backing the prime minister.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets over the past three months to demonstrate against the plan in the largest demonstrations in the country's 75-year history. The State Department dismissed as “completely false” claims repeated by Yair Netanyahu, the prime minister’s son, that the U.S. government was financing these protests.
Manuel Trajtenberg, head of an influential Israeli think tank, the Institute for National Security Studies, said that “Netanyahu can dismiss his defense minister, he cannot dismiss the warnings he heard from Gallant.”
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Israeli prime minister fires defense minister, sparking mass protestsThousands of people poured into the streets of cities across Israel on Sunday night in a spontaneous outburst of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister for challenging the Israeli leader's judicial overhaul plan.
Consulte Mais informação »
Netanyahu Fires Israeli Defense Minister Who Criticized Controversial Judicial Reform PlanThousands protested in Israel after Benjamin Netanyahu fired a defense minister who had called for delaying a controversial court reform plan. See potential bias and similarities in coverage from CNN, FoxNews and Jerusalem_Post: Netanyahu Israel
Consulte Mais informação »
Top Israeli diplomat in NY resigns in protest after Netanyahu fires defense ministerProtesters rallied in Washington Square Park on Sunday while waving the flag of Israel and holding signs promoting democracy.
Consulte Mais informação »
Netanyahu fires Israeli defense minister over court reform planIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister on Sunday for breaking ranks over a controversial plan to increase government control over the country’s judicial system. …
Consulte Mais informação »
Israeli FM: UAE pardons Israeli citizen after drug sentenceTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli officials said Sunday the United Arab Emirates has pardoned an Israeli woman after initially sentencing her to death for drug possession, a case that tested the nascent ties between the two countries.
Consulte Mais informação »
Israeli Defence Minister to make special statement at 1740 GMTIsraeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday he plans to deliver a special statement at 8:40 p.m. (1740 GMT).
Consulte Mais informação »