The incident begins with Israel’s disabled community protesting and blocking roads in their effort to achieve additional rights from the government. In their latest protest, disabled Israelis blocked the Ayalon Highway.

A harsh exchange of words took place on Radio 103 between coalition whip David Bitan and Mrs. Leah Goldin, the mother of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin HY”D, who was killed in Gaza fighting in 2014 and whose body was taken by Hamas.

During Goldin’s program, she spoke of the battle being waged by the disabled and the need to increase their rights.

Bitan stated the minimum wage increase they seek at present will not occur, adding “If there is budgeting available, I would first direct it towards the senior citizens or the seniors and the disabled”

Mrs. Goldin said, “I think this is another government spin, questioning Bitan’s effort to connect between the elderly and the disabled, questioning the connection. She added “he is aware the disabled are dependent on a number of sources for their assistance and it is not so simple”.

Bitan explained the disabled community is making unreasonable demands and they cannot possibly get what they are shooting for. He explained some of the disabled must work while others must realize government limitations and priorities.

Goldin accused Bitan of not being genuine with the public and excluding an entire population, cynically suggesting lowering the budget of navy submarines, aware there is a major corruption probe taking pace surrounding he submarines at present.

Following additional insults and allegations against Bitan for his failures regarding the disabled community, he fired back, “I am the only one who works for the disabled and you have to be ashamed of what you are saying.”

“You incite against me people I’ve been working for years.” On the other hand, don’t place your inciteful words in my mouth. Shame on you, keep this to the Likud protesters. Finance Minister Kahlon is planning to allocate money but there was a matter of credit and procedure and this is why the decision was made to appoint a committee”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)