Protesting Israelis call for better leaders, directing anger at Netanyahu over Gallant's sacking

Concerned Israelis, in the wake of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to sack Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, took to the streets to protest, voicing concerns over Netanyahu's decision amid the ongoing war in Gaza and the fate of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Demonstrators gathered in central Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, blocking major highways and disrupting traffic. In Jerusalem, several thousand protesters rallied outside Netanyahu’s home, voicing their dissatisfaction with the government's response to the war.

Many protesters carried signs with slogans like "We deserve better leaders" and "Leaving no one behind!" while others wore T-shirts emblazoned with "Bring them home now!" referring to the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The demonstrations reflect growing frustration with the leadership amid the ongoing conflict and calls for greater efforts to secure the hostages' release.

Gallant’s dismissal came after Netanyahu cited eroded trust between them, exacerbated by months of conflict with Hamas. The foreign minister, Israel Katz, assumed the role of defence minister following Gallant’s removal. Katz immediately vowed to prioritize the return of hostages and continue efforts to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah, pledging an aggressive approach to Israel’s security.

In the aftermath of Gallant’s ousting, opposition figures and political analysts sharply criticized the decision. Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, expressed concern, calling Gallant’s removal “the last thing Israel needs” in the midst of such a critical war.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the move as reckless, accusing Netanyahu of jeopardizing Israel’s security for political survival. On the other hand, far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Netanyahu, arguing that Gallant’s leadership would not lead to an absolute victory.

Gallant himself responded to his dismissal by emphasizing the need for all Israelis of conscription age to serve in the military, including Ultra-Orthodox citizens. He also underscored Israel's moral responsibility to bring home the hostages, with an emphasis on ensuring their safe return.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations continue to target Hamas and Hezbollah, with airstrikes on Lebanon and the West Bank. On Tuesday, an Israeli strike on the Lebanese town of Barja killed at least 20 people, while another attack in the coastal town of Jiyeh claimed one life and left 20 others injured. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets and drones into northern Israel and engaging Israeli troops along the border. In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed seven Palestinians during separate military operations.

The ongoing violence has also extended to Syria, where Israeli airstrikes hit the town of Al-Qusayr for the second time in a week, targeting Hezbollah weapons storage facilities. Syrian authorities reported that residential buildings near the strike zone were also hit.

In Gaza, the World Health Organization announced plans for a large-scale medical evacuation, set to begin this week. The evacuation is expected to transport as many as 113 critically ill patients to the United Arab Emirates or Romania, marking the largest evacuation since October 2023.