Israel

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff. 

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Agreement between Netanyahu and Sa'ar

As per the Times of Israel, if rumours prove to be true and the prime minister decides to end the tenure of current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Sa'ar, a former ally turned rival, who is currently a member of the opposition, is expected to be appointed as his successor.

As part of this arrangement, Haaretz and Ynet reported that IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may find himself replaced. However, it is still uncertain whether Halevi will be forced out or asked to leave voluntarily from his IDF chief of staff post.

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If not the defence minister, Sa'ar may be given the role of the foreign minister while Israel Katz takes over from Gallant, reported Channel 12. It also reported that New Hope MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Sharren Haskel may be offered ministerial portfolios.

The two have reportedly also decided that Sa'ar will have the power to veto and override any legislation pertaining to the judiciary before it is approved or promoted. However, Netanyahu won't need his consent for other actions pertaining to Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, like appointing or firing people.

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Gallant's alleged dismissal

This comes as on Monday (Sep 16) it was reported that Netanyahu was contemplating the dismissal of defence minister Yoav Gallant. As per reports, Gallant's opposition to Israel's large-scale operation in Lebanon was being used as a convenient pretext to replace him.

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This would not be the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. The two leaders have been at odds over a number of government policies and, more recently, the handling of the war in Gaza and the terms of a possible hostage release and ceasefire deal with Islamist militant group Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)