An unpleasant and disrespectful confrontation developed last week between Transportation & Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz of the Likud and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman during a meeting of the Political-Security Cabinet.

According to the report of political reporter Gili Cohen, the two ministers exchanged fire at the height of the tense meeting last Thursday, while security tensions in the south of the country were on the rise.

“What about your promise to eliminate [Hamas leader Ismail] Haniyeh within 48 hours,” Minister Yisrael Katz shouted at Lieberman, who had made it clear in the past that he would assassinate Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh within two days if he were to serve as defense minister.

Lieberman replied, “Tell me, what exactly what did you contribute?” A source who attended the discussion said to KAN 11 News that “the dialogue between them was very loud – and very embarrassing.”

There has been bad blood between the two for some time. Among other things, the tension between them comes against the background of the island plan off the Gaza coast that Israel Katz wants to promote – contrary to the position of Defense Minister Lieberman.

The defense minister’s office told KAN News they do not relate to discussions from the cabinet meetings. Minister Katz’s office has not yet responded.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)