Minister says everyone, not just government, to blame for security morass

After claiming that his party should not be blamed for failing to deal with security challenges due to an “insurrection” among defense brass, Otzma Yehudit minister Amichai Eliyahu has adopted a new tactic for avoiding responsibility: It’s your fault too.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility, this is everyone’s country and the government is just one small part of this puzzle. I suggest everyone take responsibility,” the heritage minister tells Army Radio.

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu arrives at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on January 29, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The comments come weeks after Eliyahu and friends approved a budget of nearly $500 billion for that small puzzle piece, including billions more for Otzma Yehudit head Itamar Ben Gvir to carry out an expensive reorganization of the police ministry, which will result in giving him more control over security forces.

Members of the government, many of whom campaigned on returning law and order to Israel’s streets and security to its frontiers are facing tough questions amid a rash of deadly terror attacks, rocket assaults on two borders and a flareup of inter-communal tensions.