Barkat Threatens to Oppose Charedi Draft Law...Bibi SLAMS Him - VINnews

Source: vinnews.com
Author: Baruch Green

ISRAEL (VINnews) -- A heated, contentious dialogue has taken place between Economic Minister Nir Barkat and PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and a central theme is the Charedi draft law.

Barkat has threatened to oppose Netanyahu's draft law, claiming it does not go far enough in support of the IDF. However Netanyahu struck back sharply, implying that Barkat would destabilize the government during wartime, and that he is playing petty politics (without mentioning him by name).

On Wednesday Barkat, a top Likud Minister, joined a group of Members of Knesset who have said that they will oppose a bill currently being proposed in the Knesset.

"To win the war, the IDF needs more soldiers. Without victory in battle, there is no country and no Torah. As a paratrooper officer who led soldiers into battle, risking their lives, I salute the IDF soldiers and pledge to be worthy of their sacrifice and devotion," he said in a statement.

In his letter, Barkat said that in his opinion, the law must encompass all citizens - including hCaredim and Arabs - as well as respond to all the needs of the defense establishment and the national service. Barkat said that at the same time, the law must recognize the importance and value of Torah study and Torah learners.

In response, Netanyahu published a video urging his coalition to unite.

"We are at war on several fronts, facing great challenges and difficult decisions. Therefore, I strongly demand from all coalition partners to get yourselves together and realize the importance of the time we're in," Netanyahu said.

"This is not the time for petty politics, nor the time for legislation that endangers the coalition fighting for victory over our enemies," he continued. "We must all focus solely on the tasks before us: defeating Hamas, returning all our abductees, and returning our residents safely to their homes, both in the North and in the South. So I demand everyone to put aside any other consideration. Put aside any side interest. Stand as one man, together, behind our fighters."

The Likud's spokesperson responded sharply as well, suggesting that Barkat should focus on the economy.

"Nir Barkat is expected to treat the high cost of living and not search for excuses to topple a right-wing government during war."

Barkat responded with a statement, apparently slamming Netanyahu for using the party's name to attack him.

"The state of Israel is in one the most difficult hours in its history, and my duty is to express my principles which reflects those of a majority of the Likud. If someone is interested in attacking a Likud minister over the principle of the importance of IDF service in war time - it is best that he use his name and not that of the Likud. Israel needs more soldiers in order to win the war. Without victory, there is no state and no Torah," Barkat said.