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.

Mr Gallant, a popular minister and provocateur, was fired by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to "significant gaps" and a “crisis of trust” that affected the war. Both men have repeatedly been at odds over the war in Gaza. Mr Gallant was replaced by Israel Katz – an incumbent foreign minister and a longtime loyalist of Mr Netanyahu.