Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed his decision to fire the country’s defense minister last month after mass protests broke out over his decision.
Netanyahu announced his resignation at a news conference on Monday, saying Defense Minister Yoav Gallant would remain in his post after he was sacked two weeks ago. Gallant was fired from his post after he called for suspending plans for Netanyahu-backed judicial reforms, which would allow the government to overturn Supreme Court decisions and give the executive more power to appoint judges.
“Gallant remains in his position as defense minister and we will continue to work together for the security of the citizens of Israel,” he told the press conference.
Netanyahu’s decision to fire Gallant sparked mass protests across the country and led to the resignation of Israel’s consul general in New York as he became “increasingly concerned” about Israel’s government policies.
The Biden administration also said at the time that it was “deeply concerned” about the ongoing tensions in Israel. US lawmakers also raised concerns about potential judicial reforms last month, saying the proposed judicial reforms could be undemocratic.
“We are deeply concerned by today’s events outside Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement last month.
Watson also said in the statement that Israeli leaders should “find a compromise as soon as possible,” describing it as “the best way forward for Israel and all of its citizens.”
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