Lapid criticized Smotrich: only his 'base' interests him

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid slammed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich this morning (Sunday) for his decision to transfer funds to Judea and Samaria and the ultra-orthodox education networks. "While IDF soldiers are risking their lives, Smotrich is harming the national society," Lapid wrote.

Smotrich did not remain oblivious and replied to Lapid that he cares for all sections of the people and even advised him: "to free yourself from your hatred and incitement against the ultra-orthodox".

The debate between the two that developed on Twitter ('X') revolved around Smotrich's decision published last night, according to which he decided that despite the recommendations of the professional echelon, he refrained from freezing all coalition funds and decided that hundreds of millions would be transferred to Judea and Samaria and the ultra-orthodox education networks.

Although this decision depends on the other members of the government, among them Gantz, who will have to approve the decision for it to be implemented, the publication itself led to many debates on the Internet.

Yair Lapid wrote about the decision: "While IDF soldiers are risking their lives, Finance Minister Smotrich is harming the war effort, harming national resilience, harming Israeli society.

He is not interested in anything except the 'base'. He uses the money of the citizens of Israel to do petty politics during wartime.

A normal finance minister would now insist on closing at least five unnecessary government ministries, canceling all coalition funds, and transferring the money to war expenses, aid to evacuees, and aid to businesses," concluded Lapid.

In response to his words, Smotrich replied: "Hello Yair, the ultra-orthodox are not my "base" and I care about ZAKA even if they are ultra-orthodox just like I care about anyone else who is part of the united Israel at the moment.

It is really sad that even in these moments you are unable to free yourself from your campaign of hatred and incitement against the ultra-orthodox. The people of Israel will win. Love wins".