Netanyahu fires Israeli defense minister

• Gallant opposes the laws, while the ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition are threatening to topple the government if the laws aren't passed in the coming days.
• By firing Gallant, who was independent and challenged the prime minister's policies regarding the war many times, Netanyahu will now have tighter control over national security decision-making.

The big picture: Gallant was the most trusted partner in the Israeli government for the Biden administration.

• A U.S. official told Axios the White House was very surprised by Netanyahu's decision to fire Gallant.
• "Minister Gallant has been an important partner on all matters related to the defense of Israel," a National Security Council spokesperson told Axios.
• "As close partners, we will continue to work collaboratively with Israel's next Minister of Defense," the spokesperson added.

A U.S. official told Axios the Biden administration is concerned about Netanyahu's decision to fire Gallant, "especially in the middle of two wars and as Israel prepares to defend against a potential attack from Iran."

• "We have real questions about the reasons for Gallant's firing and about what is driving the decision."

Zoom in: In a speech on Tuesday, Gallant said Netanyahu fired him because of their disagreement on three issues: Gallant's opposition to a law that would exempt ultra-Orthodox men from military service, his support for a deal to release hostages held by Hamas and establish a ceasefire in Gaza, and his call for a commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the Oct. 7 attacks.

• "We must not allow a discriminatory and corrupt bill to pass in the Knesset — it is time for change," Gallant said, referring to the law Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox coalition partners are demanding he pass.
• Gallant said a hostage and ceasefire deal demands "painful compromises" but stressed there will be "no remorse" for those who abandoned the hostages."It will remain a stain on Israeli society and on those who lead Israel down this wrong path," Gallant said.
• He renewed his call for national commission of inquiry to investigate the security failures that led to the Oct. 7 attack."We are surrounded by darkness of values and I am sticking to my compass — I hope other elected officials do the same", he said.

State of play: Netanyahu announced he is appointing Foreign Minister Israel Katz as minister of defense. Katz has no military background and limited experience on national security issues.

• Netanyahu also said he is appointing Gideon Saar as Israel's foreign minister.

What they're saying: Netanyahu claimed he fired Gallant because of a lack of trust needed to work together.

• "Significant gaps emerged between me and Gallant in the management of the war, and these gaps were accompanied by statements and actions that contradicted government and Cabinet decisions," Netanyahu said.
• He claimed he made many attempts to bridge the gaps with Gallant "but they kept widening" and accused Gallant of making the disagreements between them public, "which pleased our enemies who benefited greatly from it."
• Gallant issued a short statement in response: "The security of the State of Israel always was and will always remain my life's mission."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comments from Gallant and from the U.S. National Security Council spokesperson.