What it’s about
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with MK Gideon Sa’ar could strengthen his position, benefit haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, and face protest challenges.
Why it matters
The strategic move addresses the haredi IDF service issue, facilitates the 2025 budget, and replaces an independent defence voice with one aligned with Netanyahu’s vision. It also enhances coalition stability by neutralizing potential threats from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, expanding the coalition’s support to 68 MKs.
The bottom line
The transition from Gallant to Sa’ar showcases Netanyahu’s adeptness in consolidating his coalition, addressing the haredi draft controversy, and potentially fortifying Likud’s future leadership landscape. However, the unpredictable power of the protest movements may influence the outcome and the broader political stability.
Details
Netanyahu’s proposed shift in the Defense Ministry from Gallant to Sa’ar is anticipated as a tactical win for Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox factions, given the tensions surrounding haredi military conscription.
The United Torah Judaism party, led by Housing and Construction Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, had previously threatened to withdraw budgetary support without haredi IDF service measures. Gallant’s insistence on broad consensus for such measures, notably integrating haredim into the IDF, clashed with haredi political leanings.
Sa’ar’s perspective, prioritizing operational needs over integration in debates, aligns more congruently with the haredi stance, making him a fitting choice.
Strengthening Coalition and Challenging Opposition
Sa’ar’s political advantages include significant ministerial experience amidst conflict scenarios, refining his leadership profile within Likud. His inclusion also mitigates Ben-Gvir’s influence; raising the coalition majority safeguards Netanyahu’s hold without dependency on Ben-Gvir’s faction.
The opposition stands to lose ground, with Sa’ar’s shift back into Likud diluting potential challenges from emergent right-wing alliances. The opposition’s reduction from 56 to 52 mandates further hampers their efficacy.
Protest Uncertainty
While previous protests successfully opposed Gallant’s earlier dismissal, their potential influence remains the wildcard. The protest fervor linked to hostage deal demands coupled with Gallant’s removal could reignite mass mobilization against Netanyahu’s plans.
This story was first published on jpost.com.