Gallant's decision comes less than 2 months after Premier Netanyahu removed him from position as defense minister
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday announced his resignation from the country's parliament, also known as the Knesset.
Gallant's decision comes less than two months after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed him from his position as defense minister amid ongoing tensions over Israel's security situation and the government's controversial policies.
Gallant announced his resignation in a video message broadcast by Israeli media, saying he would inform the Knesset speaker of his decision.
He emphasized that his 45-year career in public service was only a part of a larger journey that is far from over, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Despite his resignation, Gallant reaffirmed his commitment to the Likud party, saying, "Likud's path is my path."
Gallant's resignation comes after a series of political upheavals, including his removal from the position of defense minister in November 2023 following publicly criticizing the government's handling of security issues, particularly the draft of haredim into the Israeli army.
By resigning voluntarily, Gallant aims to avoid potential sanctions that could have restricted his political future within the Likud party. His departure allows him to remain eligible to run in the next elections, potentially as a candidate for Likud.
Gallant's tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
His public disagreements with Netanyahu over security policies have underscored the divisions within the Israeli government during a tumultuous period.
The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed over 45,550 victims, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
