Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called out IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, June 27.
"Don't lecture us on responsibility. We weren't the ones who went to sleep on October 6," Smotrich said. Halevi became furious and demanded Smotrich immediately take back his words and apologize, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant backing Halevi.
The altercation occurred during a discussion about the IDF's activities in Zone B. Justice Minister Yariv Levin accused the IDF of "selective law enforcement" against Jews and Arabs. The chief of staff angrily replied that "the IDF is doing its job, and soldiers there are risking their lives."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sided with Halevi, telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it was unacceptable for ministers to criticize the IDF and Shin Bet constantly. At that point, Netanyahu urged both disputants to "maintain mutual respect." Smotrich eventually apologized for his remarks but insisted that the Chief of Staff must respect government members.
