Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under growing pressure over his controversial decision to dismiss his minister of military affairs, Yoav Gallant.

Netanyahu dismissed Gallant in a surprise announcement on Tuesday night, saying that his trust in his minister had “eroded” in recent months.

Opposition leaders however believe that Netanyahu risks “national security for political purposes.”

Benny Gantz, leader of the Israel Resilience Party said Gallant’s dismissal “deals severe damage to the Israeli people’s security and spirit.”

Gantz said he will “fight the prime minister’s attempt to rule unchallenged.”

In a message on social media, opposition leader Yair Lapid said members of Netanyahu’s Likud party were “cowards” for remaining silent on the issue.

Gallant said his removal was triggered by disputes over three issues, including Tel Aviv’s t “moral obligation to return the hostages” from Gaza.

He said he believed that it is possible to get the remaining hostages back from Gaza if Israel makes “painful concessions” which it “can bear.”

Large crowds opposed to Gallant’s dismissal have now taken to the streets, blocked traffic and lit bonfires on a major highway in Tel Aviv.

They say removal of Gallant was yet another attempt by the Zionist leader to block a deal to return hostages from Gaza. They protesters say Netanyahu has to “step down from his office and to let serious people lead Israel.”

He has long been under growing public and political pressure within Israel to resign and call early elections, over his handling of the genocidal war he launched in Gaza more than one year ago.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk