"You're disconnected, the Palestinians don't burn Jewish homes": The confrontation between Zini and Strock in the cabinet
Settlement Minister Orit Strock and Shin Bet Director David Zini clashed during a political-security cabinet meeting. Strock accused Zini of presenting a biased picture of violence while ignoring Palestinian attacks. Zini replied that Palestinians do not burn Jewish homes and called for public condemnation of violence from the settlement leadership. The confrontation took place against a backdrop of rising violent incidents in the West Bank and international condemnations.
Settlement Minister Orit Strock and Shin Bet Director David Zini clashed yesterday (Monday) during a political-security cabinet meeting. Strock protested the portrayal of Jewish rioters relative to Palestinians, saying: "You present it as if the Arabs are honey and sweetness, and only the settlers are the problem." She claimed that Palestinians attack shepherds and endanger their lives. Zini replied: "The Palestinians don't burn Jewish homes here. You're disconnected. We need to see condemnations and denunciations from all the leadership." Strock argued that the entire settlement leadership condemns violence, and Zini asked: "Where is your condemnation?" The confrontation took place against a backdrop of rising violent incidents in Judea and Samaria and international condemnations. Sources familiar with relations with Washington said that if the government remains in its current composition, there could be an escalation in the American stance, including sanctions. Last week, the Stop the Settlements Act was proposed by six Democratic congress members, and 40 Democratic congress members are seeking to advance sanctions on Israeli ministers and a ban on imports of settlement products.