At Sunday’s cabinet meeting, israeli Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf launched a scathing verbal attack on Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli after Chikli publicly called for Goldknopf’s dismissal.
“Chikli chose ahead of the primaries to devour the chareidim without realizing that his public is disgusted by that. For that, we already have Yair Lapid,” said Goldknopf.
Goldknopf didn’t hold back, accusing Chikli’s office of failing in its core responsibilities. “Your ministry is supposed to fight anti-Semitism, unfortunately, it is not doing so successfully,” the housing minister charged.
He went on to offer pointed advice. “My personal friendly advice is that you start with the fight against anti-Semitism within Israel, afterwards it will be easier for you to succeed in the Diaspora. The change starts with you.”
Chikli didn’t retreat, doubling down on his call for Goldknopf’s removal. “I stand behind my statement, you are not fit to serve as housing minister.”
The heated exchange follows revelations from about ten days ago, when Goldknopf admitted that housing projects in Beit Shemesh originally intended for the broader population had instead been redirected to serve the chareidi community.
The disclosure triggered widespread criticism, prompting Chikli to publicly demand Goldknopf’s ouster. “This is intolerable. I have no intention of ignoring the very serious things that Minister Goldknopf is saying here. Deliberate and cunning discrimination against the general public, discrimination that I only heard of yesterday regarding what is happening in the Galilee.”
Chikli continued his condemnation, urging the Prime Minister to act decisively. “It is impossible to justify continuing a partnership with a housing minister who is indifferent to the citizens of Israel, who is indifferent to reservists. I tell the Prime Minister, whom I respect and appreciate, Goldknopf cannot continue in his position after such a statement.”
He concluded with a clear call for a new appointment. “The coalition is broad enough, find another housing minister from a Zionist party, a housing minister who cares for every citizen and especially for soldiers. We removed a head of service yesterday for misconduct, we can also remove a housing minister who is derelict in his duties,” Chikli declared.
{Matzav.com Israel}The post Coalition Struggle: Chareidi Minister Denounces Diaspora Minister Chikli first appeared on Matzav.com.