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.

FM Israel Katz has been offered the defense minister role • Gideon Sa'ar offered to join government as new foreign minister