Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quietly considering a major shake-up in his cabinet, eyeing Foreign Minister Israel Katz as a potential replacement for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel Hayom has learned.
The behind-the-scenes deliberations, ongoing for the past two weeks, come amid growing tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant, with the potential reshuffle raising questions about the stability of Israel's defense leadership at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Sources close to the matter indicate that Katz, who took over as foreign minister just months ago as part of a rotation agreement with Bezalel Smotrich (now finance minister), is reluctant to give up his current post.
Netanyahu's team initially floated Gideon Sa'ar as a possible successor to Gallant, a move that would have strengthened the Coalition's parliamentary position. However, the prime minister's inner circle remains wary of the New Hope chairman, citing trust issues. This led them to explore other options, including Katz.
The potential appointment of Katz to the defense portfolio was part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle plan. The proposal aimed to bring Sa'ar into the Coalition, but in a less influential role than defense minister to curb his power relative to Netanyahu. The suggested reshuffle would have seen Sa'ar take over the Justice Ministry, current Justice Minister Yariv Levin move to the Foreign Ministry, and Katz assume the defense post. However, this complex arrangement failed to gain support from either Katz or Sa'ar.
Sa'ar has repeatedly stated in media interviews that he hasn't received an offer for the defense ministry role and denies any ongoing talks with Likud. Still, the lawmaker keeps his options open, saying, "I'm not tying my hands in any way."
Insiders reveal that Netanyahu was ready to oust Gallant following his recent successful US visit, which typically would have strengthened the prime minister's position. However, security incidents in Majdal Shams – where a Hezbollah rocket hit on a soccer field killed 12 children – and escalating tensions with Iran have put these plans on hold.
At its core, Netanyahu's desire to replace Gallant remains strong. The main considerations now are timing and whether the prime minister has moved past his concerns about potential public backlash. These concerns stem from the widespread protests that erupted last year when Netanyahu attempted to dismiss Gallant, leading to a dramatic reversal of the decision.
