A sharp confrontation between Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emerged last night (Sunday) at the Defense Political Cabinet meeting, following Smotrich's attack on the Chief of Staff and the round of appointments in the IDF.
According to two sources who participated in the meeting, Smotrich floated at the end of the discussion the demand he made yesterday - to stop the planned round of appointments in the IDF.
And this round of appointments should be carried out by the next Chief of Staff. This Chief of Staff and the one who heads it have failed, so he only has backup for the use of force."
Gallant and Smotrich/Flash 90, Jonathan Zindel
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In response, Defense Minister Galant attacked Smotrich: "If you refer to this, you refer to the complete reality, how the IDF that failed on October 7 recovered from the most difficult place and behaves in an exemplary manner.
The IDF is the one who brings the achievements we are so proud of.
You are harming Israel's security and undermining the security system for political reasons only.
It is always serious and especially in war.
I will not allow anyone to turn the IDF into a militia in the service of one party or another."
According to the sources, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed Gallant's position and said: "The government does not and will not deal with any appointment in the IDF other than the appointment of the Chief of Staff - it is better to stop dealing with it immediately."
The chairman of the state camp Benny Gantz and Minister Avi Dichter also joined Galant's position. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi who was also present at the meeting did not participate in the exchange.
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During the debate, the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir used the opportunity to confront the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Beharve-Miara and told her: "I didn't want to interfere because of the claim that commanders are appointed instead of those who fell in battle, but I have to ask you here - why about the Why is this a different law?
Why are you saying here that you can't find a source of authority to intervene in the appointments and with Commissioner Shabtai you stopped all the appointments?!".
The chairman Meshit: "It's not here.
I will explain to you in person."
Minister Ben Gabir: "It is here, let's open it.
Why are you intervening with the Commissioner and the Chief of Staff and the head of the Shin Bet? No. Because he is Saturn? Because he was not on the General Staff patrol?
Because he didn't come from the right place?
I'll say one more thing, you don't want him to name because you can't say that I won't name.
You don't have a reason, so you're looking for one."
Minister Shasha Biton: "Stop attacking the Chief of Staff and the head of the Shin Bet."
Minister Ben Gabir: "I'm allowed to ask questions, soon it will be leaked that I've made fun of the Chief of Staff. The days are over when it's not allowed to ask questions here and talk You won't shut me up."
Minister Smotrich's office stated:
"Partial and tendentious leaks by irresponsible parties from internal and confidential discussions of the cabinet are not considered. Minister Smotrich's opposition to the round of appointments and her reasons are known, as is his full support for the Chief of Staff for the fighters and commanders in the conduct of the war until victory."
More on the same topic:
Yoav Galant
Bezalel Smotrich
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister
IDF