JDN

Tensions high between Netanyahu, Gantz during coronavirus cabinet meeting

Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen during a vote at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on August 24, 2020. Photo by Oren Ben Hakoon/POOL *** POOL PICTURE, EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES, PLEASE CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER AS WRITTEN*** *** Local Caption *** כנסת מליאה תקציב הצבעה בני גנץ בנימין נתניהו שר הביטחון ראש הממשלה

As the coronavirus cabinet meets Sunday to discuss the next actions on the pandemic, the two warring leaders of the government are in disagreement.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu says that “political considerations must not lead to a swift opening” of the economy, in apparent reference to Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s desire to move forward with opening businesses in the next few days to help alleviate their financial woes.

Netanyahu says reopening must be gradual and careful, in line with virus infection and vaccination numbers.

Gantz, meanwhile, accuses Netanyahu of leaking conversations from the cabinet “for ugly, narrow political interests.” He compares such acts to leaking sensitive information from a military operation.

He tells the PM: “I will not forgive you for accusing me of intentionally endangering human lives” — a reference to a leak from a previous meeting.