Gottlieb Attacks Netanyahu Over Coalition Control of Key Ministries
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb fiercely criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for stating that key ministries would remain with Likud in his next government. Gottlieb accused Netanyahu of fearing strong leaders and attempting to sideline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Otzma Yehudit also claimed Netanyahu's remarks signal an intent to remove them from the coalition and align with the left. Ben-Gvir had previously demanded the Defense Ministry for himself in a future government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Tali Gottlieb attacked PM Netanyahu for his intent to keep Defense, National Security, and Justice ministries with Likud.
- Gottlieb accused Netanyahu of fearing strong leaders and trying to sideline Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Otzma Yehudit claims Netanyahu's words indicate a plan to remove them and join with the left.
- Ben-Gvir previously demanded the Defense Ministry for himself in a future government.
- Gottlieb urged right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit for key ministerial posts.
Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb of the Otzma Yehudit party launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, following his remarks at a conference in Acre. Netanyahu stated that in his next government, should one be formed by him, the Ministries of Defense, National Security, and Justice would remain with the Likud party. This statement comes amid National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's declared intention to demand the Defense portfolio in the next government. In late September, Ben-Gvir outlined his party's demands for the next coalition, positioning himself for the Defense Ministry, Gottlieb for Justice, and Minister Isaac Wasserlauf for National Security.
Gottlieb expressed her disappointment in a strong tweet, writing, "I have been told many times that you like submissive people who bow their heads and obey you. I defended you and said a strong person wants strong people around him. Well, they were right." She continued, "Today you proved that you want to sideline the best minister in your government, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who provided victory images for the right-wing bloc." Gottlieb lauded Ben-Gvir's accomplishments, citing his reforms in prisons, demolition of illegal homes in the Negev, weapons reform for citizen security, and significant salary increases for police and prison officers, questioning why Netanyahu would sideline such a minister.
"What happened, Mr. Prime Minister, what are you afraid of? Do you identify a leader and try to push him away?" Gottlieb questioned. She urged right-wing voters to recognize that only a strong Otzma Yehudit party can keep Netanyahu on the right and secure the Defense, National Security, and Justice portfolios for their party, warning that otherwise, they would end up with figures like Haim Katz and Eisenkot, representing "nothing."
The Otzma Yehudit party also reacted sharply to the Prime Minister's statements. A party statement suggested that Netanyahu's remarks indicated a decision to remove Minister Ben-Gvir and Otzma Yehudit from the coalition, replace them with Eisenkot, and award these key ministries to the left. The party reiterated that Ben-Gvir had previously announced his party's demands for the next government, including his bid for Defense Minister, Gottlieb for Justice Minister, and Wasserlauf for National Security Minister.
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