Current:Home > Contact-usIn rare apology, Israeli minister says she ‘sinned’ for her role in reforms that tore country apart-LoTradeCoin
In rare apology, Israeli minister says she ‘sinned’ for her role in reforms that tore country apart
View
Date:2024-12-23 19:31:43
JERUSALEM (AP) — A former member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet offered a rare public apology Sunday for contributing to the internal strife in Israel that preceded the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.
The mea culpa by Galit Distel Atbaryan, a lawmaker from Netanyahu’s Likud Party, was one of the first times a Likud member has accepted responsibility for the polarized atmosphere ahead of the attack, which triggered a devastating war that has continued for nearly three months.
Distel Atbaryan appeared to accept the argument that the internal divisions created perceptions of weakness that encouraged Hamas to attack.
“I’m here sitting and telling you, the democratic, secular public: I sinned against you, I caused pain for you, I caused you to fear for your lives here, and I am sorry for this,” she told Channel 13 TV.
Distel Atbaryan added that she was taking responsibility for her role in the massive protests and civil discord that erupted after Netanyahu’s right-wing government attempted to implement a far-reaching overhaul of the judicial system. The crisis sparked mass protests, alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs, and drew concern from the United States and other close allies.
“I was one of those people that caused the state to be weakened, that harmed people,” she said. “I created a split, I created a rift, and I created tension. And this tension brought weakness. And this weakness, in many ways, brought massacre.”
Distel Atbaryan, who served as public diplomacy minister, was one of Netanyahu’s strongest supporters and drew attention for her harsh criticism of his opponents.
But days after the Oct. 7 attack, she resigned when it was clear that other government ministries were handling her responsibilities.
Distel Atbaryan said the office was a “waste of public funds” during wartime. She has remained as a member of parliament in the Likud.
___
Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
veryGood! (91)
Related
- Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and More React to Craig Melvin Replacing Hoda Kotb as Co-Anchor
- Below Deck Down Under's Aesha Gets the Surprise of the Season With Heartwarming Reunion
- What is BRICS? Group of world leaders that considered making a new currency meet to discuss economy
- Cyprus rescues 115 Syrian migrants aboard 3 separate boats over the last three days
- Lee Zeldin, Trump’s EPA Pick, Brings a Moderate Face to a Radical Game Plan
- 'Just the beginning': How push for gun reform has spread across Tennessee ahead of special session
- Oliver Anthony's 'Rich Men North of Richmond' speaks to how Americans feel. Don't dismiss it.
- Massive mental health toll in Maui wildfires: 'They've lost everything'
- RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
- Ford, Kia, Nissan, Chrysler among nearly 660,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
Ranking
- Tennis Channel suspends reporter after comments on Barbora Krejcikova's appearance
- More hearings begin soon for Summit’s proposed CO2 pipeline. Where does the project stand?
- Preliminary magnitude 5.1 quake shakes Southern California amid Hilary threat
- Kansas newspaper releases affidavits police used to justify raids
- Former NFL coach Jack Del Rio charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated
- Spanish singer Miguel Bosé robbed, bound along with children at Mexico City house
- Prosecutor asks judge to throw out charges against Black truck driver mauled by police dog in Ohio
- Snoop Dogg's outdoor concert in Houston sees 16 hospitalizations for 'heat-related illness'
Recommendation
Nelly will not face charges after St. Louis casino arrest for drug possession
Whiten Your Teeth and Remove Stains With a $49 Deal on $235 Worth of Supersmile Products
Russian missile attack kills 7, including 6-year-old girl, in northern Ukrainian city
Worker gets almost 3 years in prison for stealing $1M from employer
OneTaste Founder Nicole Daedone Speaks Out on Sex Cult Allegations Against Orgasmic Meditation Company
Kansas newspaper releases affidavits police used to justify raids
Djokovic outlasts Alcaraz in nearly 4 hours for title in Cincinnati; Coco Gauff wins women’s title
NFL preseason winners, losers: Questions linger for Bryce Young, other rookie quarterbacks