Netanyahu Reinstates Defense Minister Amid Security Tensions and Criticism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reinstated Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whom he fired two weeks ago for publicly calling to freeze plans to overhaul the judicial system. Netanyahu blamed the opposition and the previous government for recent violence that has included rocket fire from Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, and a series of deadly Palestinian terrorist attacks. His predecessors Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid denounced his claims, with Bennett calling his speech shameful and Lapid telling him to “take responsibility.” Netanyahu vowed that his right-religious coalition will restore security and reestablish deterrence.