Take to the Streets!

I am not in Israel right now to fill the streets with the immense wrath that should be raging—wrath against a government holding the Israeli public hostage for its own political gain. While I cannot be on the streets tonight, protesting this recklessness, I will write my diatribe in hopes of convincing you why you should be. 

This government has systematically leaked information to manipulate public opinion, conveniently timed to support its stance that hostage deals are not feasible. And it has now shown its ultimate cowardice: firing Defense Minister Gallant on the eve of a potential Iranian attack and the U.S. elections. This evades scrutiny from Biden’s administration and, even more dangerously, risks higher civilian casualties in the event of an Iranian attack. 

I was on the streets all night during the first “Gallant Night.” Tonight, I am in Argentina, watching from afar, and it’s surreal how little has changed. Netanyahu is once again pushing to sack the only voice of dissent left in Likud—this time, he’s learned from his mistakes. The move may seem politically strategic, skirting Biden’s immediate response while he’s preoccupied with the elections. But in truth, it is short-sighted and reckless. Gallant, who has been a crucial bridge to the U.S. defense establishment and the Biden administration, held over 100 conversations with Lloyd Austin since October 7th. With a U.S. deadline looming to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, Gallant was Netanyahu’s best hope to ward off potential sanctions. 

Moreover, Gallant’s coordination with U.S. intelligence is integral to minimizing harm from a promised Iranian attack and ensuring a strong retaliatory response. Firing him weakens this relationship at a time when our defense coordination is critical. And let’s not forget: this public, destabilizing dismissal sends a signal the Iranians are sure to notice and exploit. 

Then there’s the simple fact that replacing the defense minister during wartime is, in itself, an outrageously irresponsible move. Say what you will about the handling of the war, but with troops still on the ground in Gaza and Lebanon, severing the direct link between the army and the prime minister undermines confidence in leadership. Replacing him with a man whose never held a senior defense position only heightens the doubt. Morale is already low, and soldiers see how deeply the burden of this conflict falls on them, only to watch the one person striving to balance that burden by pushing for the Haredi draft get removed, at least in part, for his efforts. 

This decision reveals Netanyahu’s selfishness and disregard for Israel’s security and citizens. Even setting aside the suspicious timing of this firing with the leaks investigation and the police raiding Netanyahu’s office—which coincidentally coincides with a purported plan to replace defense officials—the sheer recklessness should concern everyone. The government has repeatedly demonstrated that it prioritizes its own interests above those of its soldiers, its citizens, and the 101 hostages still in Gaza. 

Stacking senior positions with Netanyahu loyalists only delays crucial reforms, like Haredi draft policies, while continuing to reward those who contribute little to national defense. It prioritizes a budget that burdens all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, to benefit those who do not bear the brunt of this war. It weakens the factions within the defense establishment that are pushing to bring the hostages home at any cost. If none of these reasons are convincing enough, then maybe nothing will, after all those who never stand for anything die for nothing.