Israel Denies Transferring Weapons to Palestinian Authority, Ministers Attack Netanyahu
After reports emerged claiming that Israel had transferred weapons to the Palestinian Authority, Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gabvir launched an attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Smotrich, the Minister of Finance, expressed outrage at not being informed about the alleged move, stating that he was “seething with rage.” He accused Netanyahu of making a deal with Defense Minister Benny Gantz to form a left-wing government that challenges the revival of the Oslo Accords. Ben Gabvir, the Minister of National Security, warned Netanyahu of consequences if he did not publicly deny the reports.
The controversy arose after a report by IDF Radio revealed the government’s decision to transfer weapons to the Palestinian Authority. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu swiftly denied the claims, stating that no weapons were transferred. He clarified that the government only implemented a decision made by Defense Minister Benny Gantz to transfer armored vehicles for riot control by the Palestinian police.
In response to the ministers’ threats, Netanyahu issued a statement, stating, “There is no limit to fake news, so here are the facts.” He reiterated that no weapons were transferred, emphasizing that the government had only replaced obsolete armored vehicles as per Gantz’s decision.
According to the report, the Palestinian security officials quoted claimed that at least 1,500 weapons were included in the shipment. However, Israeli officials stated that only eight armored vehicles were transferred. Israel set conditions for the use of the weapons, allowing them to be used solely for anti-terrorism measures. The weapons were intended for select security mechanisms, including general security, counterintelligence, and Palestinian police.
The transfer of weapons has sparked a political debate within the Israeli government. Minister Ben Gabvir accused the government of repeating the mistakes of the Oslo Accords, which he claimed led to the deaths and injuries of thousands of people. Defense Minister Yoav Galant also denied any involvement in the transfer, calling the reports false and stating that no lethal weapons were approved or delivered to the Palestinian Authority during his tenure.
Senior officials from both the current and previous governments exchanged accusations regarding the approval and passage of the vehicles. The opposition raised concerns about the government’s handling of security matters, criticizing its reliance on conspiracy theories and media management.
As the controversy unfolds, the Israeli public awaits further clarification on the issue, seeking transparency and accountability from its leadership.