Tensions flared at a security cabinet meeting last night when a sharp dispute broke out between IDF Chief Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The argument was ignited during a debate over how humanitarian assistance to Gaza is being managed. Smotrich launched harsh criticism at the military’s handling of the aid, accusing Zamir directly: “The army is not prepared to manage the humanitarian aid. You failed massively in this.”
Zamir fired back with visible frustration, pushing back on Smotrich’s accusations. “You criticize everything. You say we’re not doing enough. You’re weakening the reserves, weakening the spirit of the soldiers. You are against the army. You oppose everything and claim we aren’t doing enough.”
Smotrich doubled down, brushing off Zamir’s anger and defending his position. “You say that after the fact. I read it in the newspapers. Your problem is that you don’t know how to take criticism. I praise successes, but on the issue of humanitarian aid, you have failed massively.”
Seeing the exchange escalating, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stepped in to de-escalate. “You both are speaking in an inappropriate manner. I ask that you both calm down.”
Still, the altercation didn’t end there. Smotrich accused Zamir of leaking information to the press to undermine him. “I know he will brief against me.” Zamir responded forcefully, denying the allegation: “I do not brief anyone.” Smotrich replied with a challenge: “Let’s go to a polygraph.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
