March 25, 2023
Defense Minister Gallant met with Prime Minister Netanyahu two days prior to his speech, indicating that reserve military units were sufficiently angered by the pace and content of the proposed judicial overhaul for them not to report for regular reserve duties. On March 26, after Gallant delivered this speech, Netanayhu fired Gallant from his post, causing hundreds of thousands of Israelis to spontaneously demonstrate in the streets across Israel. With the Histradrut threatening a day of protest, universities and Ben-Gurion airport closing, Netanyahu responded on March 27 by speaking to the Israeli people indicating that there would be a pause in the judicial overhaul process until at least after the end of the Passover holiday. Two days after Gallant’s speech, President Herzog convened discussions at his residence to see if a compromise or compromises could be found to the controversy. Herzog’s suggestions made two weeks earlier were wide-ranging. Gallant’s speech was apparently well received by significant segments of the Israeli public.
Ken Stein, April 1, 2023
Before I begin my remarks, I would like to express my wishes for a speedy recovery to the victims of the attack that took place this evening, and extend my support to their family members.
Our soldiers stand guard day and night, and I fully support them. Israel’s defense establishment will face the terrorists [responsible for this attack].
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks in a televised address on March 25, 2023. (Courtesy)
Following is the full English translation of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s televised address on March 25, 2023, as provided by his office, in which he called for the government to pause its planned far-reaching overhaul of the judiciary.
Before I begin my remarks, I would like to express my wishes for a speedy recovery to the victims of the attack that took place this evening, and extend my support to their family members.
Our soldiers stand guard day and night, and I fully support them. Israel’s defense establishment will face the terrorists [responsible for this attack].
Citizens of Israel,
The security of the State of Israel is my life’s mission. Over the course of my entire adult life, I have dealt with Israel’s security day in and day out. Clothed in the IDF’s uniform, I have risked my life dozens of times for the State of Israel, and at this time, for the sake of our country, I am willing to take any risk and pay any price.
By virtue of my duties as the Minister of Defense of the State of Israel, I stand before you and emphasize: We face great threats – both near and far. Iran is closer than ever to gaining military, nuclear capabilities. Palestinian terrorism is increasing. The northern arena is tense. These days, more than ever, we face unprecedented security challenges.
The IDF is an excellent military – decisive and precise in its operations. It is a source of pride for those in service and for the entire nation of Israel. Together, we can take on any challenge, at any time.
Yet over the past several weeks, something serious has happened. I meet with commanders and soldiers, prior to operations, during military tours, during exercises, and in briefing rooms. I hear their voices, and I am worried.
The events taking place and the issues in Israeli society, do not skip the Israel Defense Forces. Unprecedented feelings of anger, pain and disappointment have risen. And I see the source of our strength eroding.
As Minister of Defense of the State of Israel, I emphasize, the growing rift in our society is penetrating the IDF and security agencies. This poses a clear, immediate, and tangible threat to the security of the state.
I will not allow this.
I am a “right-wing” person, a member of the Likud movement. I believe in its principles, and I am committed to its values – placing the State of Israel above all.
Tonight, I repeat, as I have been saying for years, that we need to see a change in the justice system. The ties between the judiciary branch, the government and the Knesset require balance. [This balance] will strengthen our democracy and it will increase the public’s confidence [in our institutions].
Yet, significant, national changes are achieved through dialogue. this evening, I am thinking of the generation of the founders of Israel. I think of my mother Fruma – a holocaust survivor who immigrated to Israel onboard the Exodus. I think of my wife, Claudine’s parents, who immigrated to Israel from Morocco, Travelling difficult paths.
We must not harm our unity. There must be no doubt in the hearts of the mothers, who will be sending their sons and daughters to serve in the IDF. The victory of a single side, whether it be in the halls of the Knesset or on the streets of our cities, will lead to a loss for the State of Israel.
We must set aside the questions, “who started it” and “who’s right.” And [instead] initiate a unifying national process with broad participation. A process that will strengthen the State of Israel and preserve the strength of the IDF.
In recent days and weeks, during conversations and discussions behind the scenes, I presented the security situation [to various parties], I asked, reasoned, and said that, at this time, the process must be stopped, so that we may sit and talk.
But now, I declare loudly and publicly, for the sake of Israel’s security, for the sake of our sons and daughters – the legislative process should be stopped, in order to enable the nation of Israel to celebrate Passover and Independence Day together, and to mourn together on Memorial Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day.
These are holy days for us. We need to stop the protests, and reach out to each other, conducting dialogue.
Any refusal to serve in our military should be stopped immediately – as it erodes the power of the IDF and harms our defense establishment.
For the sake of our security, for our unity, it is our duty to conduct dialogue and to remember that we are in fact one nation, brothers, and sisters.
May G*d strengthen his people, and may G*D bless his people with peace.
Thank you.