Khaberni - The coalition leader and member of the Likud party bloc in the Israeli Knesset, Ofir Katz, revealed for the first time what the Hebrew media described as a "coup attempt" against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In detail, Ofir Katz conducted an interview with "Makor Rishon" newspaper and discussed the internal criticisms within Likud. As mentioned, Netanyahu praised the coalition leader at the opening of the Knesset session last Monday, and even asked him to prepare for "white nights" to pass the state budget, marking not the first time Netanyahu has praised him.
About attempts to dismiss Netanyahu, Katz said: "Shortly after the 7th of October (2023), while Netanyahu was contemplating how to change the face of the Middle East, there were those thinking about how to change the face of Likud’s leadership."
Katz added: "There were people in Likud working on dismissing Netanyahu, and I know there was an attempt to push forward with replacing him. Various people wanted this, and fortunately, they did not succeed."
Katz described what Netanyahu told him: "Your task, our task, is to have the elections on their scheduled date, not a day earlier," and explained, "Netanyahu conveyed a very clear message, do whatever necessary so the coalition completes its term. That is the mission."
It is worth mentioning that the Minister of Religious Affairs, Michael Malchieli (from Shas party), said on Tuesday in the "Patriots" program on Channel 14, that the head of his party, Aryeh Deri, thwarted an attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from within Likud, shortly after the events of the 7th of October.
Malchieli added that clear agreements have been signed between "Shas" and "Likud" regarding the conscription law, where he stated that the responsibility for its execution lies with the Prime Minister: "We signed agreements with Likud. Netanyahu needs to bring the solution. In case the government falls - that would be on the shoulders of Yuli Edelstein who violated all understandings."
In the meantime, political criticism is escalating against Knesset member Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, by senior officials in the coalition, media figures, and prominent right-wing figures. A joint statement from the "Shas" and "United Torah Judaism" factions stated: "Yuli Edelstein stood in front of the cameras - and brazenly lied to the public. For a year and a half, he has misled negotiation teams, rabbis, reservists, military and security entities - and everyone who genuinely worked to reach a balanced settlement."
The statement continued: "He spoiled every conceivable plan, changed agreements, and introduced a series of insults and abuses to Torah students." It was also reported: "Edelstein is playing a political game at the expense of those who serve and is bringing down the right-wing government with his own hands."
