Yoav Gallant Resigns: 5 Key Reasons Behind His Clash Over Military Exemption Law

Yoav Gallant resigned from the Knesset on January 1, 2025, following clashes with Prime Minister Netanyahu over a controversial law granting exemptions to ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Gallant, who was dismissed as Defense Minister in November 2024, criticized the government’s stance on conscription while reaffirming his loyalty to the Likud party. His resignation comes amid rising tensions within Israeli politics, with opposition leaders condemning the law and urging him to stay in politics.

CONTENTS:

Katz defends Haredi enlistment law.

Gallant resigns after Netanyahu clashes.

Gallant resigns over conscription law.

Yoav Gallant Resigns: 5 Key Reasons Behind His Clash Over Military Exemption Law

Katz defends Haredi enlistment law

Yoav Gallant Resigns: 5 Key Reasons Behind His Clash Incoming Defense Minister Israel Katz has rejected the criticism of his predecessor, Yoav Gallant, regarding a law to increase the enlistment of Haredi men in the Israeli military. Gallant had argued that the law, which aims to recruit more ultra-Orthodox individuals, allows too many exemptions and does not align with the IDF’s needs, especially in a multifront war.

Katz, without directly naming Gallant, dismissed these accusations, claiming that the new enlistment law would be a historic change, bringing tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox individuals into meaningful military service for the first time since Israel’s establishment. He also criticized previous policies for failing to boost Haredi enlistment. Gallant’s resignation from the Knesset is seen as a result of his opposition to the law.

MK Matan Kahana from the opposition party National Unity criticized former defense minister Yoav Gallant’s resignation, arguing that it would make it easier for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pass the law that exempts ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Gallant had resigned, citing his objection to the law, which he felt undermined the IDF’s manpower needs during a multifront war. Kahana pointed out that Gallant’s resignation would likely be followed by a new lawmaker aligned with the coalition, potentially strengthening Netanyahu’s position in light of recent coalition challenges. Kahana also emphasized that Gallant, as an MK, could have better led the opposition to the law.

Gallant resigns after Netanyahu clashes

Yoav Gallant Resigns: 5 Key Reasons Behind His Clash Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced his resignation from parliament on January 1, 2025. Gallant, who had previously been dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2024 due to disagreements over the conduct of the Gaza war, explained that he was stepping down to reassess his path and focus on achieving his goals. Gallant had frequently clashed with Netanyahu, particularly over the issue of military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.

His resignation follows a history of independent stances, including a previous dismissal in 2023 after urging a halt to a controversial plan to weaken the Supreme Court, which sparked mass protests. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Gallant, Netanyahu, and a Hamas leader for alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict, though Israel contests these charges.

Gallant resigns over conscription law

Yoav Gallant Resigns: 5 Key Reasons Behind His Clash Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant resigned from the Knesset on January 1, 2025, nearly two months after being removed from his position by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallant cited his opposition to a proposed law that would grant exemptions from mandatory military service to ultra-Orthodox men. He reaffirmed his loyalty to his Likud party while criticizing the government’s stance on military conscription. In response, opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the law, calling it a betrayal to Israel’s soldiers.

Benny Gantz of the National Unity party urged Gallant to remain in politics, warning against supporting the law during wartime. Gallant was fired in November 2024 due to a lack of trust with Netanyahu, following disagreements over the handling of the Gaza conflict, and his support for universal conscription and other key issues.