The Knesset has approved the appointment of Israel Katz as defense minister and Gideon Sa'ar as foreign minister, following the firing of Yoav Gallant by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The appointments were approved by a vote of 58-0, with opposition members leaving in protest. The opposition views Gallant's dismissal as a move by Netanyahu to pass a draft evasion law and prevent a hostage-ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza. The legislation aims to enshrine the exemption of ultra-Orthodox males from military service, which has been deemed illegal by the High Court of Justice. The firing of Gallant has sparked protests across the country.