Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and replacing him with New Hope leader Gideon Sa’ar.
Netanyahu denied he was in negotiations with Sa’ar, but he has been at odds with Gallant for months as the devastating war against Hamas in Gaza rages on. Gallant, who was fired by Netanyahu as defense minister last year before being reinstated two weeks later, has been deeply critical of the prime minister’s prosecution of the war in Gaza — particularly for not accepting a cease-fire deal that would bring hostages home.
Sa’ar, who is a member of the opposition at the moment, would reportedly get the role in exchange for joining Netanyahu’s fragile coalition — a move that would give the prime minister more of a safety net in parliament with more seats. But hostage families are urging Sa’ar against making a deal with Netanyahu, accusing his government of abandoning their relatives.
This news also comes as the US warns Netanyahu against sparking a wider conflict in the region by going to war in Lebanon amid ongoing exchanges of cross-border fire with Hezbollah.
We’ll be watching this space closely in the days ahead.
Mastercard Economic Institute's Outlook 2026 explores the forces redefining global business. Tariffs, technology, and transformation define an adaptive economy for the year ahead. Expect moderate growth amid easing inflation, evolving fiscal policies, and rapid AI adoption, driving productivity. Digital transformation for SMEs and shifts in trade and consumer behavior will shape strategies worldwide. Stay ahead with insights to help navigate complexity and seize emerging opportunities. Learn more here.
Think you know what's going on around the world? Here's your chance to prove it.
A Democrat won Miami’s mayoral race for the first time in nearly 30 years. The Republican defeat will ring some alarms for the party – and their support among Latino voters.
50: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is taking a page out of US President Donald Trump’s book, implementing up to a 50% tariff on more than 1,400 products in a bid to boost domestic production.