Yoav Gallant was a moderating force in the Netanyahu government and had a strong relationship with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. His firing comes as Israel wages war in Gaza, Lebanon, and on multiple other fronts.

Protesters quickly mobilized Tuesday, with tens of thousands taking to the streets and blocking intersections and highways across the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts across the region.