Gallant will remain the defense minister under Netanyahu

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will remain in his position for now after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu changes his mind.

The Prime Minister’s Office cited ongoing security issues as the cause.

Despite failing to provide Gallant with the statutory letter providing 48 hours’ notice before his termination took effect, Netanyahu announced his dismissal last Sunday.

Gallant angered Netanyahu the night before by urging the nation to stop the government’s judicial reform initiative in a speech to the people.

Then, to keep his job, it was reported that Gallant was considering apologizing for speaking out while Netanyahu was away.

According to a source close to Netanyahu, the prime minister will handle the defense minister’s issue later because of the current security situation.

Aryeh Deri, the leader of the Shas Party, and other members of the coalition legislature started pleading with Netanyahu to undo the dismissal after the premier halted the reforms to “give a true opportunity for serious debate.”

Despite the developments, Netanyahu and Gallant, who met last Tuesday for a security briefing, have apparently been mediated by Deri.