Yoav Gallant is an Israeli politician and former military officer who served as minister of defense between 2022 and 2024. Gallant was an officer in the Southern Command of the Israel Defense Forces, serving in the Israeli Navy. In January 2015 he entered politics, joining the new Kulanu party. After being elected to the Knesset he was appointed minister of construction. At the end of 2018 he joined Likud, shortly after which he became minister of Aliyah and Integration.
In 2020 he was appointed minister of education, and the following year became minister of defense. On 5 November 2024, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had dismissed Gallant, effective 7 November, and sought to have Israel Katz replace him. Gallant subsequently resigned from the Knesset on 5 January 2025.
Standing...
Stories...
Oct 1, 2026
Lean Right
Defense Minister Gallant has publicly clashed with Netanyahu over post-war Gaza strategy and the need for a clear 'day after' plan, drawing criticism from far-right ministers.
Likud loyalists view Gallant as undermining the Prime Minister and playing into the hands of the opposition and the US, though some respect his security credentials.
Oct 1, 2026
Lean Left
Gallant has publicly clashed with Netanyahu over the hostage deal and the draft law, reportedly warning that Israel's security is being sacrificed for coalition politics.
The left sees him as a potential ally in bringing down the government, but remains wary of his right-wing views and his role in the current war.
Sep 22, 2026
Far Left
Gallant is the Defense Minister overseeing the Gaza war and is at odds with Netanyahu over post-war strategy.
Hadash holds Gallant responsible for war crimes in Gaza and rejects his attempts to present himself as a moderate.
Sep 19, 2026
Far Left
Gallant as defense minister oversees the Gaza war and has clashed with Netanyahu over strategy.
Hadash sees him as responsible for war crimes and rejects his calls for military escalation over diplomacy.
Sep 18, 2026
Lean Right
Not directly mentioned, but as Defense Minister he oversees the IDF strikes and evacuation orders.
Likud broadly supports Gallant's operational decisions, but some right-wing critics want a tougher line in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sep 14, 2026
Far Right
Managing the military campaign in Gaza while publicly supporting a hostage deal framework.
Religious Zionism distrusts his willingness to compromise on military achievements and sees him as too close to US demands.
Sep 10, 2026
Lean Right
As Defense Minister, he oversees the military exercises and operational alerts, including the Highway 35 drill and the reported strike plans against Iran.
Gallant is trusted by Likud to ensure the IDF remains on a war footing, but he faces pressure to balance aggressive action with coalition demands for decisive victory in Gaza.
Sep 2, 2026
Far Left
The defense minister is warning against unilateral judicial changes and managing military readiness along the Lebanese and Syrian fronts.
Hadash sees Gallant as a rare coalition voice of restraint, yet notes his loyalty to the occupation and war policies.
Aug 27, 2026
Lean Right
Defense Ministry conducting exercises on Highway 35, under his ministry's direction.
Gallant is seen as a strong defense minister, ensuring readiness, though Likud remains critical of any perceived hesitancy in strikes.
Aug 27, 2026
Center
Targeted by Netanyahu's aides in leaked messages trying to sow conflict with the Chief of Staff to force his resignation.
Yesh Atid sees Gallant as a flawed but essential check on Netanyahu's extremism; attacks on him reveal the PM's desperation to consolidate power.
