Netanyahu, Gantz squabble as coronavirus cabinet meets on next steps

As the coronavirus cabinet meets to discuss the next actions on the pandemic, the two warring leaders of the government are already squaring off.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that “political considerations must not lead to a swift opening” of the economy, in apparent reference to Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s desire to move forward with opening businesses in the next few days to help alleviate their financial woes.

Netanyahu says reopening must be gradual and careful, in line with virus infection and vaccination numbers.

Gantz, meanwhile, accuses Netanyahu of leaking conversations from the cabinet “for ugly, narrow political interests.” He compares such acts to leaking sensitive information from a military operation.

He tells the premier: “I will not forgive you for accusing me of intentionally endangering human lives” — a reference to a leak from a previous meeting.