Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement.

Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds throughout the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival.

A previous attempt to fire Gallant in March 2023 sparked widespread street protests against Netanyahu.

The prime minister announced his decision late Tuesday.

FILE: Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant makes a joint statement with his U.S. counterpart in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Dec. 28, 2023. (AP photo/ Maya Alleruzzo)