Opponents say decision was to protect ultra-Orthodox from conscription and will ‘damage the Israeli people’s security and spirit’.   13:43 In his speech, Hezbollah’s recently appointed new leader Naim Qassem has said it is not possible for Israel to win a war against the Iran-backed group.

Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz to succeed Gallant. It comes as Israel is in the middle of two wars, and is bracing for an attack from Iran.