Israeli Politicians Trade Barbs Over Netanyahu's Potential Role in Future Government
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
MK Efrat Reiten and Likud spokesperson Guy Levy engaged in a public dispute on X over Naftali Bennett's suggestion that Benjamin Netanyahu could serve as a minister in a future government. Reiten argued Netanyahu is ineligible due to his trial, while Levy responded with a taunt. Other politicians, including Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan, also rejected any possibility of Netanyahu serving in a future government. Bennett later clarified he would not sit with Netanyahu.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MK Efrat Reiten and Likud spokesperson Guy Levy exchanged barbs on X over Netanyahu's potential ministerial role.
- Naftali Bennett initially suggested Netanyahu could serve as a minister in his government, sparking backlash.
- Reiten argued Netanyahu is ineligible to serve due to his ongoing criminal trial.
- Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan also stated they would not sit with Netanyahu in any future government.
- Bennett later retracted his statement, saying he would not sit with Netanyahu under any circumstances.
- The dispute highlights ongoing divisions within the bloc aiming to unite against Netanyahu.
A heated exchange on social media platform X erupted between MK Efrat Reiten of the Democrats and Likud spokesperson Guy Levy, following comments by Naftali Bennett, chairman of the 'Achdut' party, regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential role in a future government.
Bennett stated that he would allow Netanyahu to serve as a minister in his government, a remark that sparked controversy among potential allies in the bloc aiming to unite against Netanyahu in upcoming elections. Reiten criticized this idea, asserting that Netanyahu cannot serve as a minister due to his ongoing criminal trial and that his position as prime minister was nullified by the cancellation of a specific law, suggesting he could at most be a member of the opposition.
Levy responded to Reiten with a taunt, "We expect to see you back on 'Sheshtus' soon," to which Reiten retorted, "With pleasure. You'll be the first class we fly out of here." Levy's reference to "Sheshtus," a popular Israeli youth program, was interpreted as a jab at Reiten's political future.
The controversy intensified as other political figures weighed in. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, declared that his party would not sit with Netanyahu under any circumstances, not even for a regional cooperation minister. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, echoed this sentiment, stating his party would not allow Netanyahu to serve in any government capacity.
Following the backlash, Bennett backtracked, clarifying that he would not sit with Netanyahu in any scenario and reiterated his demand for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th. This public dispute comes less than three weeks after leaders of the bloc attempted to present a united front, meeting on September 26th to agree on a joint principles document and cease mutual attacks, though significant disagreements, including the leadership candidate and potential coalition partners, remain unresolved.
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