Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant has officially stepped down in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former foreign minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this week.

White House officials are reported to be ‘stunned’ by ouster of a military chief widely trusted in Washington.

On his last day in office, Israel’s ousted defense minister offered a revealing glimpse into the war in Gaza — and the decision-maker he holds responsible for holding up a cease-fire deal.

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.