Former Israeli Security Minister and Likud MK Yoav Gallant has resigned from the Knesset while maintaining his membership in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party. 

In a televised announcement, Gallant affirmed his commitment to the principles and values of Likud but criticized recent government policies. He described the judicial overhaul as a “clear and immediate danger” and emphasized the necessity of full and equitable recruitment to the Israeli military, including the ultra-Orthodox, calling it a “military necessity.”

Gallant linked his dismissal as security minister in November to his stance on the enlistment issue, asserting that Netanyahu and his successor, Israel Katz, are advancing efforts to exempt the ultra-Orthodox from military service—a policy he cannot support.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Gallant and Netanyahu, who initially dismissed Gallant in March 2023 but reversed the decision following public outcry.

Gallant may be declared defector

Gallant reflected on his decision, stating, “As on the battlefield, so too in public service, there are moments when you have to stop to assess the situation and choose the course of action,” adding that his “journey is not yet complete.”

He was notably absent from the Knesset during a critical budget vote on Tuesday evening, which Netanyahu attended despite recovering from surgery.

Gallant formally submitted his resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following his public announcement.

Israeli media reports suggested that Gallant’s seat will likely be filled by Abed Afif, a Druze representative.

In November, the Israeli news site Walla reported, citing sources within the Likud party, that Netanyahu was closely monitoring Gallant’s actions in preparation for declaring him a defector from the party and barring him from running in the next parliamentary elections.

According to the sources, the objective behind this move is to "gather evidence" proving that Gallant is acting "independently," paving the way for declaring his defection from the coalition.

The sources added that Netanyahu aimed to pressure Gallant into resigning from the Knesset to prevent him from voting against him in the future.

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