Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has replaced his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, with Israel Katz, who was the foreign minister. The surprise move has sparked protests across Israel.

Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds over the war in Gaza. Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival until world’s attention was focused on the U.S. presidential election.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly sacked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing what the prime minister said was a “crisis of trust” between the two men. Foreign Minister Israel Katz will take over as Israel’s defense chief.