Former defense minister Gantz warns that Israel is facing “a security disaster,” exacerbated by parts of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government that Gantz says are “fueling terrorism.”
“Nowadays, there is no government in Israel – there is chaos,” says Gantz at his National Unity party’s Knesset faction meeting. “Those accused of terrorism and incitement, sitting at the government table and in the cabinet under Netanyahu’s auspices, are harming the deep security interests of the State of Israel,” he adds, in apparent reference to the far-right’s Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Ben Gvir holds multiple convictions for incitement and supporting a terror group, while in 2005, Smotrich was held by the Shin Bet for several weeks on suspicion of terror, but was ultimately released without being charged.
“I am deeply concerned that we are facing a security disaster, and parts of this government are fueling terrorism,” the opposition party leader continues, slamming Netanyahu for “dragging us into a difficult and dangerous security reality.”
Gantz, a former Netanyahu partner, extends his criticism to several moderate Likud politicians, whom he calls a “Trappist monastery” for sitting silently while the “anarchists” in their coalition “set fire” to the land.
Responsibly covering this tumultuous time
As The Times of Israel’s political correspondent, I spend my days in the Knesset trenches, speaking with politicians and advisers to understand their plans, goals and motivations.
I'm proud of our coverage of this government's plans to overhaul the judiciary, including the political and social discontent that underpins the proposed changes and the intense public backlash against the shakeup.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers across the world properly informed during this tumultuous time. Have you appreciated our coverage in past months? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
~ Carrie Keller-Lynn, Political Correspondent
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this