Reports of a possible strike in Iran and progress in Tehran’s nuclear program continued to dominate the political agenda in Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting.
Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan slammed the chairman of the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee MK Shaul Mofaz who criticized the cabinet members. "I believe all this chatter gravely damaged the State of Israel," Erdan said.
"Obviously we do not want to inflate the debate. When I read statements such as those made by Shaul Mofaz I wonder whether he remembers that in the 2008 Kadima primaries he said an attack on Iran was unavoidable and caused a major hike in oil rates around the world.
"Now he suddenly opposes a strike. Anyone responsible should keep silent and let the decision makers run things."
Minister Michael Eitan called on his fellow ministers and other officials to cease making public statements on the matter. "The law restricts public servants who are privy to information pertaining to state security and this applies in this case too," he said.
He criticized former Mossad chief Meir Dagan who also addressed the matter publically saying that ex-public servants must remain silent too. "I do not believe the necessary measure of caution was maintained."
Nevertheless, Eitan noted that the public discourse was legitimate. "Opinions are allowed to be expressed in a democracy," he said.