Netanyahu dismisses Defence Minister in surprise announcement

The two have frequently clashed over Israel's retaliatory military offensive against Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7 last year.

"In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust between the prime minister and the defence minister is required," Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.

"Although in the first months of the campaign there was such trust and very productive work, over the past few months that trust has eroded," he added of his Likud party colleague.