Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister to Sabotage “Bibi Files” Investigation

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I can’t do what I’ve done before
I just can’t beg you anymore
I’m gonna let you pass
I’ll go last
And then time will tell just who has fell
And who’s been left behind
When you go your way and I go mine

–Bob Dylan, Most Likely You’ll Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine

Yesterday, Bibi Netanyahu fired defense minister Yoav Gallant. The pretext was their differences over pursuing military strategy in Gaza and Lebanon. In reality Gallant, the Shin Bet and Mossad chiefs all disagree with the PM’s strategy of “forever war.” Yet they were not fired.  If the prime minister’s explanation were true, he would have fired Gallant months ago when their disagreements over military strategy became apparent.  But he didn’t.

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The real reason for the firing is the “Bibi Files” scandal. It involves a rogue cell within IDF  intelligence, which stole top secret documents and transferred them to the PMO. Netanyahu used the material to buttress his refusal to free the hostages via a ceasefire. The top secret documents were also used to rebut the claims of the military intelligence apparatus advocating a deal.

Gallant is a key figure in the investigation. He oversees the military and plays a key role in determining the level of cooperation with the Shin Bet and police investigators. He also has the respect and stature to unflinchingly point the finger at Bibi himself as a participant in the scheme.  He is respected by all parties within the military-intelligence echelon.  Without him in charge of the ministry, the case can go south in numerous ways.

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Also, with Gallant gone, the PM has removed a powerful figure who could argue against continuing the war indefinitely. If the war ended, as Gallant has urged, there will be enormous pressure for a commission of inquiry, which cannot help but implicate Netanyahu in the 10/7 security debacle.  Also, he will face the four corruption charges which have been frozen during hostilities.

Now Netanyahu has gotten rid of his main nemesis and replaced him with a toady nonentity, Israel Katz, who will do everything in his power to quash the investigation. Katz was the foreign minister, but in name only.  Israel’s foreign policy is determined by Netanyahu, not by the foreign minister.  Nor does Katz have any military background, which is perfect for the PM.  It remains to be seen whether appointing Katz will sabotage the investigation, as Bibi hopes.  It has progressed quite far and further cooperation of the ministry may not be critical.

Netanyahu fired Gallant once before, several months before 10/7 for supporting the mass protest against the judicial coup. The furor among the public at large forced him to retreat and reappoint him. This time, Bibi is in greater political danger from Gallant and his pursuers, since overt criminal acts are alleged in the intelligence scandal, which has savaged the reputation of AMAN, the IDF military intelligence directorate. It’s doubtful the PM will backtrack this time. He can’t afford to. It’s also doubtful the public will rally in their hundreds of thousands as they did last time, because the nation is fighting a war and is averse to settling political scores with its leaders during wartime.