In Netanyahu's Absence, Verbal Spat Between Ben Gvir and Hangebi During Session on Red Cross Visit to Hamas Prisoners

Translation by SadaNews - Channel 12 reported last night about a verbal altercation that took place between Israeli National Security Council head Tzachi Hangebi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir during a security session of the small cabinet regarding a proposal to allow Red Cross representatives to visit Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails.

According to the Hebrew channel, as translated by SadaNews, the National Security Council removed an item related to the proposal before the session began, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was convinced that the discussion should take place in another forum due to Ben Gvir's opposition and the leadership of the prison service, and his realization that he would not obtain the necessary majority for it.

The matter is likely to be transferred to a forum that deals with humanitarian aid, a forum in which Ben Gvir does not participate.

The reason Israel is considering allowing the Red Cross access to Hamas prisoners is due to the International Committee’s readiness to transfer equipment and medicines to Israeli prisoners, thereby allowing a return to direct dialogue with Hamas for this purpose.

The channel revealed, as translated by SadaNews, that during the meeting, there was a verbal altercation between Hangebi and Ben Gvir after Netanyahu left the session early, transferring its chairmanship to Hangebi.

As the clock approached midnight, most ministers had already left, with around 4 to 5 ministers remaining. While extreme settlement minister Orit Strook was preparing to speak, Ben Gvir suddenly entered the meeting hall and requested to speak, to which Hangebi responded that the list was closed and Strook would be the last speaker, angering Ben Gvir, who told him, "It's not your business... You're just an advisor.".

According to the channel, at this point, tensions escalated, and Hangebi responded angrily, leading to a verbal spat between them, raising their voices at one another, while the attending ministers urged Ben Gvir to calm down and speak more respectfully. Hangebi told the ministers, "Don't worry... I've dealt with many like him," while Ben Gvir retorted, "Yes, I saw what you did when you were the Minister of Police," to which Hangebi sarcastically replied, "Of course, because you are the best minister who excels in this position.".

The argument between Hangebi and Ben Gvir continued for several minutes before the former announced the end of the session without anyone else speaking.