Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs (Likud) Dr. Yuval Steinitz on motzei Shabbos Nachamu was ousted from a Security Cabinet meeting upon the insistence of Finance Minister (Yesh Atid) Yair Lapid.

They were discussing the military budget, prompting the prime minister to call Steinitz in to consult with him as the former finance minister. At the same time the ministers received word of the announcement of US Secretary of State John Kerry pertaining to the resumption of talks between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority), prompting an urgent meeting on the matter.

Lapid requested that Steinitz leave the urgent session since he is not a member of the Security Cabinet forum. Steinitz refused. Lapid explained “I can call Minister Yaakov Peri”, referring to party colleague and a former ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director, who Lapid stated has a wealth of experience in the security field, adding “and by the way, his understanding of economic issues exceeds Steinitz’s too”.

Lapid insisted that Steinitz leave and after latter refused a second time, Lapid turned to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu insisting that he take action for “there are rules and we must maintain order”. The prime minister turned to the minister and said “Yuval, please step outside. I will call you back in later for the second part of the meeting.”

Steinitz left angered and humiliated, heard saying “What are they doing here? Look how I am being treated”.

Interestingly, no one present reminded Mr. Lapid that back in June, his son was brought along for a closed Housing Cabinet session as the finance minister felt it was appropriate for the young man to see the inner workings of the cabinet. At that time, no one present objected.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)