Yesterday, at the press conference, Minister Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat side by side. However, this morning witnessed a sharp turn of events as Minister Benny Gantz strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his unusual midnight announcement. This announcement included accusations against the head of the Shin Bet and the head of the IDF’s Intelligence Corps being the main institutions responsible for the surprise attack by Hamas. Former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi also joined in the call for Netanyahu to delete the tweet that had caused such an uproar when it was published at 1:10 AM. Netanyahu complied with the request to delete the tweet, but he maintained, "I did not receive specific warnings about the war."
Subsequently, Netanyahu adopted a different tone, admitting his error: "I was wrong. Things I said following the press conference should not have been said, and I apologize for that. I give full support to all the heads of the security services. I strengthen the Chief of Staff and the commanders and soldiers of the IDF who are on the front lines fighting for our homeland. Together we will prevail."
מה זה שואל ומה זה עונה…
— Yuval Ganor (@yuval_ganor) October 28, 2023
שאלה:
״מה עשית עם ההתרעות שקיבלת משב״כ ומאמ״ן על סבירות הולכת וגוברת למלחמה?״
נתניהו (קורא מן הכתב):
״הוריתי לצה״ל להשמיד את חמאס״. pic.twitter.com/CYcw9aE4R1
The decision to delete the tweet and issue an apology came in response to particularly harsh criticism of the Prime Minister, including from members of his War Cabinet. Chairman of the state camp, Gantz, expressed his support and emphasized the importance of leadership during wartime. He stated, "This morning, I would like to back up and strengthen all the security forces and IDF soldiers - including the Chief of Staff, the head of the IDF, and the head of the Shin Bet. When we are at war, leadership must show responsibility. It must make the right decisions and strengthen the forces in a way that enables them to fulfill their mission. Any other action or statement undermines the resilience and strength of the people."
Gantz, who had stood alongside Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant at the press conference, explicitly called for the Prime Minister to retract his statement from the previous night and cease further involvement in the matter. He added, "I said yesterday that a heavy burden rests on the shoulders of the heads of the security services, past and present. This morning, I want to emphasize: we are all with you and behind you. The entire Israeli society bears this burden. Do not look back or hesitate - continue your mission. We love you, appreciate you, and support you."
PM Netanyahu announces the war has entered a 'second stage', as military activity increases in Gaza
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) October 29, 2023
'This morning 20 terrorists form Hamas came out of a tunnel and engaged Israeli forces, they were all eliminated' @P_Klochendler brings us the latest from southern Israel pic.twitter.com/I9ThshPENT
Minister Hili Troper, also a member of the state camp, urged unity and support for the soldiers and commanders involved in the ongoing conflict: "At midnight, when our fighters and commanders are in or around Gaza, it is better to pray for them and support them rather than engage in disputes. We trust you, soldiers and commanders of the IDF and Shin Bet." Gantz's former colleague and Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, echoed these sentiments and called on Netanyahu to retract his tweet: "Mr. Prime Minister Netanyahu, remove the tweet from tonight. We are at war." As mentioned, Netanyahu deleted the tweet this morning.
