Tensions ran high in the Knesset on Monday evening amid the ongoing coalition crisis over the draft law, as a rare confrontation unfolded between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and MK Moshe Gafni, head of the Knesset Finance Committee and a senior United Torah Judaism leader.
According to sources, Netanyahu had repeatedly sought to meet with Gafni throughout the afternoon, hoping for a brief conversation to ease mounting tensions surrounding the proposed legislation. But Gafni refused each request, firmly rebuffing the prime minister’s efforts.
Eyewitnesses said that Netanyahu’s aide, Nevo Katz, approached Gafni several times during the 40-signature debate in the Knesset plenum, urging him: “Come, the Prime Minister wants to speak with you—it’s short, it’s important.” Gafni, alternating between anger and indifference, reportedly replied, “I don’t want to.”
After several unsuccessful attempts, Netanyahu himself encountered Gafni outside the plenum and, joined by Katz, personally requested a private conversation. Gafni politely but firmly declined, saying, “I can’t.”
The unusual standoff drew the attention of MK Yaakov Asher, who expressed frustration toward the prime minister’s aide, saying, “Why like this, in front of everyone? Do you think this will work for you?” Katz did not respond, instead asking, “So what’s the bottom line—are you bringing it tomorrow?” to which Asher dryly replied, “I don’t know.” Katz then pressed further, “The draft law text—are you bringing it?”
Eventually, after much back-and-forth and visible tension, Gafni relented and agreed to meet Netanyahu in the prime minister’s Knesset office for a half-hour conversation.
{Matzav.com}
Term limits desperately needed in Israel.