Israeli Channel 12 reported yesterday, Tuesday, that an attack by Israeli soldiers on a mosque in the Jenin refugee camp during one of the army’s raids caused a quarrel and an exchange of shouting between Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir during the weekly Israeli government session last Sunday.
The channel said that Halevy shouted at Ben Gvir, saying, “Do not threaten me,” stressing that he is the one who decides the values in the Israeli army and the professional and ethical rules for the soldiers.
This came after Ben Gvir objected to the incident of Israeli army soldiers performing Talmudic prayers in a mosque in Jenin being subject to disciplinary action and the removal of two soldiers from operational activity.
Ben Gvir described the decision to punish the soldiers as “disgraceful,” saying, “Woe to you if the soldiers are dismissed,” which prompted Halevy to shout at him.
Ben Gvir considered that he was not threatening anyone, but he was criticizing a measure that exposes Israeli soldiers to harm, as he put it.
Gallant enters the line
For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said on the X platform following the government dispute that “the Israeli army won a brave, moral, and experienced chief of staff during a difficult and complex war.”
Gallant said – referring to Ben Gvir – that he would support Halevy against irresponsible politicians who are trying to achieve political gains at the expense of leaders who bear the brunt of the war, as he described it.
Ben Gvir responded on the
Five days ago, clips appeared of Israeli soldiers seizing the loudspeaker in a mosque in Jenin while they were performing Talmudic prayers, causing widespread criticism inside and outside Israel.
Ben Gvir is known for his support for Israeli soldiers who attack Palestinians. He provided his support for an officer who assaulted a Palestinian photographer, and promised him last week to return him to work.