Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv late Tuesday to protest the sacking of defence minister Yoav Gallant, calling on his successor Israel Katz to prioritise a hostage deal to return the captives still held in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dismissal of defense minister Yoav Gallant late Tuesday, saying trust between the two men “eroded” in recent months. Despite serving in the prime minister’s government,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts across the region.