Cabinet Meeting Ends with Confrontations Among Ministers
The latest meeting of the political-security cabinet once again failed to address the “day after” the war, marking the third postponement of the discussion. Instead, the ministers were given an overview of the progress of the fighting, and tensions ran high during the meeting.
One significant confrontation occurred between Ministers Benny Gantz and David Amsalem, leading to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intervention. A heated exchange took place, with Amsalem accusing Gantz of snapping and leaking information. Gantz denied the allegations, leading to Netanyahu’s intervention, asking Amsalem to stop and eventually asking him to leave the discussion.
The issue of an investigation that the IDF wants to conduct, which had agitated the cabinet the previous week, resurfaced during the meeting. Minister Miri Regev called for clarification from the Chief of Staff, stating that she is waiting for the decision to be brought to the cabinet.
Another noteworthy exchange occurred between Defense Minister Avi Galant and National Security Minister Ben Gvir, with Gvir referencing the Yom Kippur War and the pressures from the United States. The confrontation resulted in an official from the cabinet labeling it as “awkward and unnecessary” during a time of combat.
In an unexpected turn, Minister Regev announced her intention to take out popcorn and subsequently distributed it to the ministers. This was explained as an attempt to avoid eating pastries while on a diet.
Additionally, a heated exchange took place between Minister Ben Gvir and Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, with Ben Gvir accusing the army of speaking with two voices regarding the status of the war. Kochavi asserted that the IDF does not talk about the war, it does the war.
The meeting marked a significant display of internal tensions among ministers, raising questions about the unity of the cabinet during the ongoing conflict.