Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) this week announced Education Minister Naftali Bennett is responsible for leaking information pertaining to discussions at cabinet meetings. He is accused of spreading information that he wants the Israel to act immediately against Hamas tunnels while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is opposed. The message released by the PMO says “Ministers should all try to exhibit responsibility and not attempt to gather political support by giving political briefings that do not reflect the in-depth discussion held by the cabinet”.

The PMO’s statement is clearly a response to a Channel 2 News report that cited Bennett’s statements, the alleged leak and the ongoing feud between Bennett and PM Netanyahu. During Operation Protective Edge Bennett acted in a similar fashion, openly criticizing the cabinet, leading to a censure and a warning that if he continues acting in the same fashion, the consequences would be severe.

Bennett credit’s his actions for compelling the IDF to finally act against the tunnels, a claim that is rejected by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and PM Netanyahu.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)