An unusual confrontation erupted between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister Dudi Amsalem over government companies during a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
The exchange included personal accusations and raised tones, with Smotrich calling Amsalem “chutzpan,” and Amsalem telling Smotrich to “speak politely” and that he “doesn’t understand what he’s talking about.”
The clash intensified when Smotrich said, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering? We have agreements,” and Amsalem replied, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.”
'Not collegial'
Smotrich went on to say that Amsalem was “not collegial” and that he had gotten up “angry in the morning.”
At that point, Economy Minister Nir Barkat broke in, saying, “Dudi is not collegial? He is the most collegial minister there is.”
As the tone continued to escalate, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood up and intervened.
“I am not willing to accept this,” Netanyahu said.
“Both of you go outside. Leadership is restraint. If you are not leaders, go outside and continue arguing there. This has crossed every line. I will not accept two ministers speaking like this and shouting at each other,” he added.