Tensions in Israeli politics have flared up again. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is a member of the Likud party, indirectly accused Otzma Yehudit party’s leader Itamar Ben Gvir of leaking private conversations. Ben Gvir is the national security minister. This comes on the heels of reports that Netanyahu had offered Ben Gvir a role in a select group of cabinet members receiving security briefings.
A look at Likud’s statement
“Prime Minister Netanyahu told Minister Ben Gvir one simple thing: whoever wants to be a partner in a limited security consultation team must prove that he is not leaking state secrets or private conversations,” Likud stated. As of now, it isn’t exactly clear if Ben Gvir did indeed leak confidential conversations. Perhaps with the passage of time, some more information will come to light, that’ll explain why Netanyahu indirectly accused Ben Gvir of leaking private converations.
Otzma Yehudit’s Response
In response, Otzma Yehudit announced its support for a law requiring cabinet members to undergo polygraph tests, calling on the prime minister to “promote it quickly, provided that it also applies to owners of a pacemaker.” According to a report from Times of Israel, this jab refers to Netanyahu, who had a pacemaker fitted last year.
Disbanding the War Cabinet
Earlier this week, Netanyahu announced the disbandment of the war cabinet, a smaller forum created on October 11 to manage the military campaigns against Hamas and Hezbollah, following the exit of National Unity leader Benny Gantz from the coalition.
Ben Gvir, who is a member of the security cabinet but was not included in the smaller war cabinet, has repeatedly expressed frustration over being excluded from key decision-making forums by the prime minister.
National Unity’s Criticism
National Unity party has harshly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. “Someone who believes that there is a minister leaking state secrets should not give him control over the Israel Police and membership in the cabinet,” the party declared.
The Bigger Picture
This latest conflict highlights the ongoing friction within the Israeli government amid crucial security concerns. The accusations of leaking state secrets and the proposed inclusion of Ben Gvir in sensitive security discussions underscore the deep divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly as the government navigates the complex military and political landscape.
The outcome of this dispute may have significant implications for the stability of Netanyahu’s administration and its ability to effectively manage Israel’s security affairs.
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