The Likud party is divided about Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s call to halt the reform legislation, with some supporting him while others are attacking his words. Communications Minister Shlomo Karai criticised Galant, accusing him of giving a leeway to disobedience and a military coup for surrendering under the pressure of the left. He also stated that the legislation must continue as the country is at a historic intersection between democracy and dictatorship. However, Avi Dichter, David Bitan, and Yuli Edelstein expressed support for stopping the reform legislation. Defense Minister Galant also held a press conference earlier, saying that significant and national changes are made in dialogue and discourse, and he wants to halt the process now to allow the people of Israel to celebrate Passover and Independence Day together.
Gallant effect: Since the Minister of Defense stated that he demands a halt to the reform legislation and that the continuation of the legislation could harm the IDF, the voices in Likud reacting to these things are increasing, with some party members supporting the position of the Minister of Defense while some attack his words and claim that this is a case of surrender.
Krayi on Gallant: “Gives a leeway to refusals and a military coup”
Among those attacking the Minister of Defense is Communications Minister Shlomo Karai, in a tweet on Twitter the Minister wrote: “I ask for forgiveness from the Likud voters for our Minister of Defense who surrendered under the pressure of the left.” Karai further added and explained why in his opinion the legislation must be continued: “The State of Israel is at a historic intersection between democracy and dictatorship and its Minister of Defense chooses a dictatorship and gives a leeway to disobedience and a military coup. You don’t cancel the people’s decision to be pampered by the media and the elite. It’s not democratic. It must not be allowed.”
Defense Minister Yoav Galant, Likud split Photo: Flash 90
On the other hand, some in Likud expressed support for Galant’s move, among others Avi Dichter, David Bitan and Yuli Edelstein expressed support for stopping the reform legislation. Member of Knesset David Bitan wrote on Twitter: “As I said several weeks ago, the legislation needs to be stopped and immediate negotiations and broad agreements should be reached. I reinforce the words of my fellow Minister of Defense.”
Gallant’s statement: “Significant and national changes are being made in communication”
As I recall, earlier this evening Defense Minister Galant held a press conference and said: “I have risked my life dozens of times and even now I am ready to risk and pay a price for the State of Israel. I am a member of Likud, he said this evening – we need a change in the legal system, but significant and national changes are made in dialogue and discourse. We must Stop the process now so that we can sit and talk and allow the people of Israel to celebrate Passover and Independence Day together, and mourn together on Memorial Day and Holocaust Day,” Gallant said in a statement.