Regev harangues Gallant for giving Gantz ‘veto power’ over Haredi draft bill

Participants from Thursday night’s security cabinet meeting leaked selected transcripts to Hebrew media, revealing how Transportation Minister and Netanyahu loyalist Miri Regev attacked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over a speech he gave earlier this week calling for an end to military draft exemptions for members of the ultra-Orthodox community Wednesday.

Gallant was late to last night’s meeting, leading Regev to inquire into his whereabouts.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin quipped that Gallant was busy making a deal with Gantz to form an alternative government together.

Gallant subsequently entered the room before being quickly harangued by Regev who demanded to know why he was pushing for elections.

In what could spark a crisis within Netanyahu’s largely Orthodox coalition, Gallant in his speech this week signaled that he would only back legislation settling the matter if it is endorsed by centrist ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot.

“Why do you and Gantz want to bring about elections? What was so urgent for you? Don’t you think this hurts the war effort? Why did you need to give Gantz veto power. You are the defense minister,” Regev is quoted as having said.

At this point, Gantz piped in to ask, “What does this have to do with me?”

Regev responded, “I really don’t know. How is it possible that Gallant gave you this veto power?”

Gallant retorted, “I did not call for elections. This does not appear in my speech. This is a time when everyone is going to have to [make compromises].”