Housing Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel was a guest of Economy Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Naftali Bennett at a Security Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 27 Sivan. Bennett decided that since the forum was leaning to the political left, he was going to bring Ariel to balance the political atmosphere.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu asked Ariel to leave since he is not a member of the Security Cabinet.

It is relevant to point out that in a meeting of the forum last week; PM Netanyahu brought Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs Dr. Yuval Steinitz to a meeting. Yesh Atid leader Minister of Finance Yair Lapid brought Science Minister Yaakov Peri to a meeting as well. There were no reports of their guests being asked to leave.

When asked “what is he doing here” by the prime minister, Bennett responded “Ariel is here the same way Steinitz and Peri are here”, but that did not change the prime minister’s mind, insisting the housing minister leave. Mr. Netanyahu added that in the cases of Steinitz and Peri, their participation was discussed and approved in advance. They did not just walk in as Ariel did.

There was some discussion and eventually, Mr. Netanyahu pointed to the door and Bennett and Ariel left. Bennett returned alone a short time later.

Bennett told Israel Radio on Thursday morning 28 Sivan that he feels it is important to bring balance to the security cabinet and that is why he brought Ariel. He stated “however the most important thing is to bring the boys home and that is the bottom line”.

Bennett added “it is now clear to all that the Shalit deal was a colossal error, releasing hundreds of terrorists who are now in the streets murdering once again”.

Persons close to Bennett are angry over the incident and expect the prime minister to apologize to him. It is explained that in line with protocol, Bennett was incorrect in bringing a guest without clearing it in advance, even if the guest is a cabinet minister. In the case of the Security Cabinet, the prime minister decides who may and may not attend.

It is also added that Ariel, who never asked to attend, was not particularly upset, apparently aware of the realization he is not a member of that forum.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)