"Firing an experienced defense minister like Gallant in the middle of a war in Gaza and possibly before a war in Lebanon would be a crazy move," a US official said.

Dismissing the minister, Yoav Gallant, would remove a frequent critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time of mounting tensions with Hezbollah.

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sir Keir Starmer of sending “mixed messages” over Britain’s support for Israel and “undermining” the country’s right to self-defence. Israel’s prime minister criticised the new Labour government for suspending around 30 arms exports to Israel amid concerns they could be used in violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.

Netanyahu accuses UK of sending ‘mixed messages’ over support for Israel - The new Labour administration has taken decisions, including suspending some arms exports, which have caused diplomatic tensions with Israel.

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said its war in the region is entering a “new phase,” hours after a announcing Israeli troops would be moved to the north of the country and a second wave of explosions rocked Lebanon.