After dismissing his defence minister, Yoav Gallant – and with Trump back in the White House – Benjamin Netanyahu’s position is stronger than ever. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
This is the Guardian.
Today, a rival dismissed and an old friend elected.
How one week changed Benjamin Netanyahu's fortunes.
With almost everyone's attention on the US Election last week in Israel, another story was playing out, one that seemed risky for Benjamin Netanyahu, who spent more than a year fighting for his political survival.
Out of the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just announced the firing of his minister of defense, Yoav Gallant.
Yoav Gallant had been one of the prime minister's right hand men, an experienced former IDF officer who as defense minister had argued for the war in Gaza to end with a hostage deal sooner rather than later.
And a lot of Israelis are furious that he's been sacked.
Tens of thousands of people came out in Tel Aviv where there'd been weekly protests about the war.
And also there was a gathering of a few thousand in the street where the prime minister's office is in Jerusalem.
But as the protests spread, the news came that Netanyahu had been hoping for.
The FOX News decision desk can now officially project that Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States.
Bibi and I have known each other for a long time.
He's another one who truly, truly loves Israel.
I think I can say he also loves the United States.
Mr.
President, our dear friend Donald, you have shown consistently incredible support.
From the Guardian, I'm Hannah Moore.
Today in focus, how one week consolidated Netanyahu's power.
Julian Borgia, you're the Guardian's senior international correspondent.