Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday reversed the dismissal of his defense minister, saying Israel was under terrorist attack and could say no to the United States.
Netanyahu announced that he had decided to keep Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in office due to the escalating security crisis.
Netanyahu had earlier sacked the defense minister amid protests against overhauling the justice system.
Netanyahu said that "Israel is targeted and subjected to a terrorist attack."
At the same time, the Israeli prime minister said that "we have obtained a clear mandate to make amendments to the judicial system," demanding consensus on judicial amendments and the issue of "rejection of soldiering."
He said his government would not create a militia affiliated with anyone, "but a government security apparatus". He vowed to restore security" by acting "on all fronts."
Regarding the relationship with Washington, the Israeli prime minister said that "the United States is our first strategic ally, but we can say no."
On Iran, he said Israel should prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
On Ukraine, Netanyahu explained that Israel had decided to provide humanitarian aid and civilian defenses to Kiev "and we will do everything we can to help end the conflict.