Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, on Tuesday in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in multi-front wars in the region. The move sparked protests across the country, including a mass rally that paralyzed central Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds over the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival before making the move as the world’s attention focused on the US presidential election. Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of confidence” in his announcement late Tuesday when he replaced Gallant with a longtime loyalist.

“In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and the defense minister,” Netanyahu said. “Unfortunately, although in the first months of the campaign there was such trust and it was very fruitful work, in the last months this trust broke between me and the minister of defense”.

In the early days of the war, Israel’s leadership presented a unified front as it responded to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. But as the war dragged on and spread into Lebanon, key policy differences emerged.

While Netanyahu called for continued military pressure on Hamas, Gallant took a more pragmatic approach, saying military force created the conditions for at least a temporary diplomatic deal that could bring home hostages held by the militant group.

In a late-night nationally televised news conference, Gallant said he disagreed with Netanyahu on three main issues: the need to end controversial military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, the need an urgent hostage deal and a formal commission of inquiry into the political and security failures of October 7, when Hamas militants stormed into Israel and killed 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Israel estimates that about 100 hostages remain in captivity, only about 65 of them still alive.

Since military service is mandatory for most Jews, Gallant said recruiting the ultra-Orthodox was both a matter of fairness and security at a time when Israel faces so many challenges.

He said a deal was needed with the hostages “as soon as possible, while they are still alive” and said there would be “no forgiveness” for neglecting them. And he said a full investigation into the events of October 7 was the only way to ensure the government would learn the right lessons. Netanyahu rejected calls for an investigation, saying it should only take place when the war is over.