Communications Minister Shlomo Karai rebuked Galant: "How do you agree to extend regular service without broad consensus? And with the conscription law, you insist on Gantz's approval?"
During the government session, there was a clash between Minister Galant and the other ministers regarding the conscription law. The Defence Minister addressed the extension of regular service and argued to the ministers: "The threat is increasing and the overall security situation is deteriorating. Where do you plan to bring soldiers from? How do you want the IDF to continue fighting?"
In response, Minister Karai criticized him: "How do you agree to extend regular service without broad consensus and insist on Gantz's approval with the conscription law?
Galant responded: "Israel's security is above all. Israel's security is not politics. Security is the condition for our existence. There is a difference between the need to recruit soldiers and the need to exempt people from service."
Galant added: "Faced with the growing threat in the north, they refuse to extend regular service. Faced with terrorism in Judea and Samaria, they refuse to extend the exemption age from reserve duty. Faced with Iranian aggression, they engage in politics instead of reaching agreements."
Minister Eli Cohen intervened and told the Defence Minister: "As Minister of Energy, I appeal to you, Defence Minister, to dedicate the same energy you allocate to extending service to 36 months to pass the conscription law." The Prime Minister intervened and told his Defence Minister: "What you are doing with the conscription law is the pinnacle of cynicism and politicization. There is a law significantly increasing the recruitment of Haredim. The need to give Gantz a veto is politics. The ruling camp does not want Haredi recruitment. They want a crisis."
"The Defence Minister is politicizing at the expense of our soldiers."
In a statement issued after the confrontation, Minister Karai wrote: "Look at the quotes coming out of the government session on behalf of Galant. The failed Defence Minister is the one politicizing at the expense of our soldiers. When he wants to gain media coverage, he demands Gantz's approval, despite knowing it harms the country's security."
He further added: "When he has no political interest, he doesn't demand this, and then he quotes himself as a great hero and political figure. Enough! Someone imprisoned in the mindset of prestige and system politicization is not fit to lead our soldiers, and a few flattering quotes in the media won't help him."
