Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich delivered a speech on Tuesday where he called on protest leaders to take responsibility and engage in dialogue. He also stated that the legislation would proceed, but at a slower pace, with full dialogue and careful consideration of all parties that want to be involved. Smotrich responded to claims that the outline proposed by Knesset member Rotman was the “end of democracy” by stating that such claims were not objective. After the speech, opposition Knesset members strongly criticized Smotrich and his actions. Yair Lapid, chairman of the opposition party Yesh Atid, called Smotrich and Rotman dangerous and cowardly, and accused them of destroying democracy, disbanding the IDF, and refusing to take responsibility for their actions.
In a speech given today (Tuesday), Finance Minister Bezalel Sotritz, he addressed the protest leaders: “We made difficult decisions and showed responsibility – now it’s your turn”
During the speech, Smotrich said that the legislation would continue, but also called for dialogue between the parties and for slowing down the pace: “We will continue, with God’s help, this important amendment in the coming months. We will do it slowly, carefully, listening, and while having a full dialogue with everyone who wants to be part of the process in order to influence about the result. We are attentive and responsible to all parts of this dear nation. We love everyone and everyone is our brother. And with brothers talking, brothers don’t win.”
Smotrich responded to the claims of the ‘end of democracy’: “You don’t have to agree in the first place to honestly admit that (the outline proposed by Knesset member Rotman) is not the “end of democracy”. It is very far from it. Those who claim otherwise are not doing so with objective motives. Even in the most creative imagination It cannot be turned into a slave’s story.”
MK Benny Gantz (Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
After the speech, the members of the opposition reacted sharply and attacked the words of Minister Smotrich
In an angry tweet, opposition Knesset member Benny Gantz responded: “There is no end to the hypocrisy – while they are managing the destruction of the justice system in the Constitution Committee, Smotrich and Rothman are calling to stop and talk. The destruction is on your heads. The destruction is on Netanyahu’s head. Stop everything and we’ll talk later tonight.’
Yair Lapid, chairman of the opposition and Yesh Atid party did not spare criticism from Smotrich: “For those who did not understand the truth between all the lies of Smotrich and Rothman: they are continuing the legislation. They continue to destroy the economy, continue to disband the IDF, continue to threaten that they will not obey court rulings, destroy democracy, tear the people apart, but refuse to take responsibility for their actions and only blame others. They are not only dangerous, they are also cowards.”