Benny Gantz
Benny GantzArutz Haknesset

National Unity party chairman MK Benny Gantz attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with harsh words on Monday amid the government's push to reduce the reasonableness clause, which allows for judicial review against government decisions that are deemed beyond the scope of what a responsible and reasonable authority would undertake.

"A week before Tisha B'av (the day marking the destruction of the temple), may I remind you what brought the destruction of the previous temple? Leadership that was corrupt, divided, disconnected from the nation, and zealous. Jerusalem wasn't destroyed only because of baseless hatred. The past few days led me to think - how did Netanyahu, a man who drinks public opinion polls for breakfast, who always knew how to evoke sentiment that touches people - how did he become disconnected from the nation? I ask him - how don't you hear the calls of half the nation? And even if you don't agree - how aren't you aware of the fear, the people who ask how could they raise their children here? How do your eyes see the pilots, the soldiers from all the ground units, and the intelligence soldiers who dedicated and dedicate their lives to the country, people whose work you know well - and your heart doesn't go out to them? Is all they become just conversations about 'manpower and preparedness?'" Gantz wondered.

He continued, "How don't your ears hear the bereaved families that don't fall asleep at night, not only because of the longing and pain but out of fear that their sacrifice was for naught? How do you live in peace, removing the boundaries from the government, which is an opening for corruption? If not during this government, then in the next one. The day will come when the government will use this unlimited power which you wish to grant it.

Mr. Prime Minister, if you think the legislation you are bringing is correct - why don't you talk to the entire nation? Why don't you embrace these dear people whose dream is the state and Zionism, who would be ready to sacrifice their lives for them? Why don't you invite them to your office to hear their pain? Why don't you tell the public your full plans? How did we reach a situation where in such an Israeli state, we need to hear your plans from a cold interview in English?" he added.

According to Gantz, "Our security situation is most complex since the Yom Kippur War - the challenges are incredible, within our borders and far beyond them. Our diplomatic situation and our relationship with the United States are in crisis, and this is an opportunity for President Herzog success on his important trip. I say that the continued run at the wall is a national and security irresponsibility."

The National Unity chairman accused: "Mr. Prime Minister, I wish you good health and long life, but these days lead me to the conclusion that your heart is closed off to the people of Israel. The rift is huge and difficult. The time has come to go to intensive care, to stop the bleeding, and above all - to open your heart to what the public says and the country's strategic needs. It's not too late to stop and go back to dialogue. A leader has to make difficult decisions, now's the time to make them. Netanyahu, don't tear the nation apart."

He also turned to the reservists who are refusing to serve due to the legislation: "I wish to turn to my brothers, the soldiers - I understand your pain. Your hearts are in the right place, your bravery on the battlefield, IDF ethics, and love for the homeland are before your eyes. I call on you, despite the tremendous difficulty and fear: continue your duty and the fight for this country, and continue to fight for it against our enemies as well. Continue to stand guard - in the streets and in the cockpit, in Jenin and in Tel Aviv. Together we will protect, and together we will amend. With G-d's help and with the help of a big public, even if this bad legislation passes, this government will pass, and together we rewrite the pact that was violated. Hastily in our days, together with all citizens of Israel.