Israel: Netanyahu fires defense minister Galant

Netanyahu's decision comes amid rising tensions with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Galant was seen as a potential challenger to Netanyahu within the Likud party.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who had been critical of Netanyahu's policies toward Iran and the Palestinians.

Netanyahu replaced Ya'alon with Avigdor Lieberman, a hard-line former foreign minister who is seen as a close ally of the prime minister.

The move comes amid rising tensions with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It is seen as a sign that Netanyahu is consolidating his power within the Likud party, where Ya'alon was seen as a potential challenger.

Netanyahu has been under pressure from hard-liners within his party to take a more aggressive stance toward Iran.

Ya'alon had been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal, which Netanyahu opposed. He had also advocated for a more forceful response to the violence in Gaza.

Lieberman is a strong supporter of the Iran deal and has called for a tough stance against Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls Gaza.

The firing of Ya'alon is likely to further strain relations between Israel and the United States.

Ya'alon was seen as a close ally of the Obama administration, and his firing is likely to be seen as a snub by Netanyahu.

The Trump administration has not yet commented on the move, but it is likely to be closely watching the situation.

The firing of Ya'alon is a sign of Netanyahu's growing power within the Likud party.

Netanyahu has been in power for nearly a decade, and he has gradually consolidated his control over the party.

The firing of Ya'alon is a sign that Netanyahu is not willing to tolerate any dissent within his ranks.

The firing of Ya'alon is likely to have a significant impact on Israeli politics.

Ya'alon was a popular figure within the Likud party, and his firing is likely to alienate some of the party's supporters.

It is also likely to further strain relations between Israel and the United States.