Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu called a press conference July 26 to deliver what he described as a special statement. As soon as the participating journalists assembled, they realized that Netanyahu really called the event to launch a new attack on Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. He chose to accuse them of acting irresponsibly in a serious crisis involving Israel’s relationship with Russia.
"We are in the midst of a dangerous crisis in relations between Russia and Israel. It is possible and necessary to get out of this crisis. For years, we have led a balanced and responsible relationship with Russia. In the last few days, I have become worried that what we have built for years is crumbling right before our eyes over the last few weeks. This happens because of a combination of amateurism, irresponsibility and arrogance," warned Netanyahu.