The war of words escalates between Netanyahu and Gantz
Al Jazeera – Agencies:
The war of words escalated between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister in the Israeli war government, Benny Gantz, after fiery statements were exchanged between their offices.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he described Gantz as “submissive” and accused him of lacking boldness in confronting security challenges.
The statement added that Gantz, who called for stopping the war before entering Rafah, does not have the right to criticize the Prime Minister regarding eliminating Hamas and accomplishing the sacred mission of returning the kidnapped people.
The statement indicated that Netanyahu has taken bold steps since Gantz left the government, including causing serious harm to Hamas, destroying Hezbollah, and carrying out direct operations against Iran, which led to the overthrow of Assad in Syria.
The statement concluded by directing a sharp criticism of Gantz, including saying: Whoever does not contribute to the national effort should at least not contribute to harming it.
The response came quickly and sharply from Gantz’s office, as he described Netanyahu as a “chronic coward” who is afraid to make decisive decisions. The statement included, addressing Netanyahu: I was afraid that the coalition would disperse, and only Gantz’s insistence brought back 100 hostages. I was afraid that you would enter by ground into Gaza, and Gantz was forced to go. Terror surrounded you. Who struck the north to restore the population and Gantz pressed for that.
Gantz accused Netanyahu of failing to achieve the hostage exchange deal for fear of the collapse of his government coalition, and said: “We will not allow you to repeat that.”
