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Minister Regev and coalition chair Bitan

Lieberman: Regev, Bitan should apologize over Shin Bet criticism

After the Likud politicians dubbed the Shin Bet 'delusional' and 'cowardly,' minister of defense comes out in support of agency and denounces rhetoric from minister of culture and coalition chairman; Regev retorted: 'He should apologize Haniyeh is still alive.'

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Saturday called on Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev and Coalition Chairman MK David Bitan to apologize to the Shin Bet after their scathing attack of the agency over its handling of the Temple Mount crisis.

 

 

Regev referred to the organization as "delusional," while Bitan called Shin Bet officials "cowards."

 

Lieberman expressed his support to the organization in an interview with Channel 2 New, saying Regev and Bitan's comments were "unfortunate words which should not have been said."

 

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Photo: Moti Kimchi)
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Photo: Moti Kimchi)

 

"In the past two weeks alone, the Shin Bet prevented 19 attacks," he said. "Many people taking part in terrorist activities were apprehended by the Shin Bet, thanks to the Shin Bet. I would also advise Miri Regev and David Bitan to simply take their words back and apologize."

 

Lierberman added in a snide remark towards the two, saying, "People dealing with security matters have to understand that you can't simultaneously busy yourself with the primaries, public opinion and ratings. When you're dealing with security you have to let some things go and can't please everyone. The right decisions need to be made and you can't just chase popularity."

 

Unsurprisingly, Regev returned in kind. On Saturday night she wrote on Facebook that she refuses to budge: "I stand by my position and unequivocal claim that removing the metal detectors and cameras was a wrong, regrettable and even delusional decision. The Shin Bet's recommendation and scare tactics against politicians undermined Israel's sovereignty and its deterrent force on the Mount," she wrote.

 

Regev also mocked Lieberman's remarks: "Speaking of the minister of defense demanding apologies, I demand that he apologize to the citizens of the country for the fact that Ismail Haniyeh is still proselytizing, speaking and inciting in Gaza."

 

Former Shin Bet heads came out against Regev and Bitan's comments, with Yaakov Peri asserting that "Politicians who are not familiar with the organization's conduct and the difficulties facing those who serve it must not go against it."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.30.17, 11:55
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