Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the coalition crisis has ended, after reaching an agreement with his partners to preserve the government for its remaining duration, under Israeli law. In his words, “Over the past several days I spoke with the Chairmen of our coalition partners, I told them that at this time, we cannot bring the government down. We must show responsibility. I am glad that these efforts bore fruit. We have an entire year left until the (national) elections.” During a meeting of Netanyahu’s ruling Likud-faction, the Prime Minister also took the opportunity to underscore to his coalition partners that only through responsible conduct and strict discipline, can the government continue to function – considering the fact that Netanyahu stressed that no one can make any decision, based on his own (political) judgement, as the sensitive period Israel faces demands to put aside personal interests for the sake of the country’s security. “Israel’s citizens expect of us to continue working together, to bring about additional successes and achievements for the state of Israel. Additional achievements for the economy, defense, foreign relations, additional achievements in each and every sector. But, for us to continue working together, there must be discipline from all our coalition partners. No rebels, no absentees, no one can make his own (political) judgement. And, primarily, during these sensitive (security related) times, the cabinet cannot become a tool for leaking information aimed at political gain. The security of Israel is above politics!” said Netanyahu.
In response to Education Minister Naftali Bennett’s decision to remain part of Netanyahu’s coalition, the opposition condemned the move as a cowardly attempt to preserve his political seat, at the expense of national security. Among the biggest critics of the Education Minister’s move is Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned his post as Defense Minister last week. Lieberman, who left the government due to Netanyahu’s policy vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip, said that Bennett’s decision shows why Israel has lost its deterrence. Lieberman said that the fact that the Bayit Hayehudi faction, which has claimed to have rejected Netanyahu’s policy regarding Gaza, decided to remain part of the government, clearly indicates the weak nature of the current leadership in the face of Islamic terror. The former Israeli Defense Minister stressed that the actions by Minister Bennett speak louder than words. Lieberman’s comments came just one days after Education Minister Bennett, together with his faction partner Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, harshly criticized Avigdor Lieberman for his so-called shortcomings as Defense Minister. Minister Bennett accused Knesset Member Lieberman of failing miserably, as his resignation literally means that he has abandoned Israel’s fight against its enemies.