During the limited cabinet meeting held this morning (Monday), a verbal confrontation developed between Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri and Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
According to a report by Moti Castel on Channel 14, Deri harshly criticized the two and reprimanded them over their demands for immediate military escalation.
""Enough with the ideas of attacking Iran and Beirut," Deri told cabinet members, adding that at this time "we also need to be realistic" and take into account the limitations of power and the strategic interests of the State of Israel.
Castel asked Deri for his comment on the matter - and Deri said: "I did not reprimand anyone, but rather made comments. I still stick to not responding at all to the security discussions.".
However, the presentation of the matter in a way that made it appear that Deri opposed the attack on Iran caused Deri's office to issue a statement: "The report on Channel 14 that Rabbi Deri opposed an Israeli attack on Iran and Beirut is completely false. Rabbi Deri does not usually comment on cabinet discussions, but he will not let political figures spread lies in his name.""
