Netanyahu fires defense minister

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister Yoav Gallant for challenging the Israeli leader's judicial overhaul plan.

In a brief statement, Netanyahu's office said late Sunday the prime minister had dismissed Gallant.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to remove Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from his post,” the statement read.

Gallant had been the first senior member of the ruling Likud party to speak out against it, saying the deep divisions were threatening to weaken the military.