The chairman of the opposition, MK Binyamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday) attacked Prime Minister Yair Lapid following the recent crisis with Russia, saying that this was caused by "amateurism, irresponsibility and arrogance".
"We are in the midst of a dangerous crisis in relations between Russia and Israel, which can and should be resolved," Netanyahu said in a statement to the media.
"For years, we have led a balanced, balanced and responsible relationship with Russia. In recent days, I am concerned that what we have built for years is crumbling right before our eyes in the last few weeks. There is one request from Lapid and Gantz (Defense Minister, Yash) - stop your squeamishness, your conduct endangering our national security.
If the crisis is not stopped immediately, it may lead to serious damage to our security."
Netanyahu, this evening, photo: Gideon Markowitz
In response to his words, the Prime Minister's spokesman stated: "The issue is being handled by the Israeli government. As Putin's personal spokesman said today, there is no crisis between the countries. If Netanyahu had bothered to come to Prime Minister Lapid for a political-security update, Netanyahu would have learned the facts for sure Since he did not come to the update, we hereby convey to him that for the benefit of the security of the State of Israel and Russian Jewry, this is an issue that must be handled discreetly and through government channels, and not in press conferences and baseless statements to the media."
The confrontation between the two comes against the background of a public exchange of messages between the Kremlin and Lapid's office, which came as a result of the political tensions with Russia.
Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman addressed the Jewish Agency crisis for the first time by saying that "there is no need to politicize this situation and project it onto the whole of Israel-Russia relations. It is essential to take a cautious approach, but also to understand that all organizations active in Russia must obey Russian law." .
In response to these words, the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement that seemed to seek to lower the level of the flames between the countries: "Israel-Russia relations are based on heritage, a continuous connection and mutual interests. The place of the Jewish community in these relations is central. If indeed there are legal issues that arise in relation to the important activity of The Jewish Agency in Russia, Israel, as always, is ready and invited to hold a dialogue on this while maintaining the important relations between the countries."
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