The chairman of the National Coalition Party, Minister Benny Gantz, today (Monday) sharply attacked the 'Conference for Israel's Victory' that took place last night calling for the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip - and the Prime Minister.
""The participation of ministers and coalition members in yesterday's conference harmed Israeli society during a time of war. They harmed our legitimacy in the world, harmed efforts to create a framework for the return of our abductees," Gantz claimed.
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He addressed the Prime Minister: "This is not the time to talk to the base, but to act for the entire nation. The responsibility of all of us. This is the time to support the fighters of the IDF, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the police. No matter what their opinions are and no matter where they come from. This is the time to show the world strength, and to act as one fist against the enemies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. There will be a time for struggle. Not now, not when we are fighting, not when 136 families of kidnapped people raise their eyes to the leadership. This nation deserves leadership that will act responsibly and that everyone will bite their lips.".
Gantz claimed: "My friends and I warned the prime minister before the conference. I also spoke with him about MK Gottlieb, who continues to serve on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as a substitute, while harming the security personnel who need support today more than ever. She must be removed from her position.".
""I know that there are many in the nation who are hurt by this behavior. I know that there are many on the front lines who are hurt by it. And I know that most of the nation does not behave this way, and does not feel this way. Today in particular, I seek to strengthen everyone on the front lines and in the rear, to tell you that the nation is with you. We are all behind you. We are united, and we will win.".
Gantz emphasized that "it is important that we know and that the world knows - the one who manages the decision-making is the war cabinet and the political and security cabinet as a whole. He who dances and divides, does not decide, and he who is silent and dragged along - is not a leader. It is very difficult, but at this time, responsibility requires my colleagues and me to remain in the cabinet and the government so that the difficult and correct decisions before us are made, to keep our country strong and united in times of trouble.".
He explained why his party remains in the government despite the disagreements with the Likud. "We must ensure that responsible decisions are made, and that is why we are there. Later, when the situation stabilizes, we will return to the people, and the entire public will have its say to those who, in times of shared destiny in the nation, are concerned with their political destiny.".
Likud responded to Gantz: "Even if there are those who don't like it, Likud is a democratic movement and in the State of Israel there is freedom of expression for everyone - including the right. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already made it clear that the decisive decisions are made in the cabinet and the government," the party said in a statement.
