Current:Home > NewsIn rare apology, Israeli minister says she ‘sinned’ for her role in reforms that tore country apart -ValueCore
In rare apology, Israeli minister says she ‘sinned’ for her role in reforms that tore country apart
View
Date:2025-04-13 13:27:47
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! (4)
Related
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Bella Hadid and Boyfriend Marc Kalman Break Up
- Methane Activists in Richmond Detect Potentially Dangerous Gas Leaks
- Steph Curry Admits He's That Parent On the Sidelines of His Kids' Sporting Events
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Indulge in Self-Care With a 47% Off Deal on the Best Kopari Beauty Products
- Influencer Christine Tran Ferguson Sends Message to Supporters After Death of 15-Month-Old Son
- Vanderpump Rules Star Ariana Madix's Favorite Revenge Look Will Surprise You
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Rush to Build Carbon Pipelines Leaps Ahead of Federal Rules and Safety Standards
Ranking
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- How Soccer Player Naomi Girma Is Honoring Late Friend Katie Meyer Ahead of the World Cup
- Inside Indiana’s ‘Advanced’ Plastics Recycling Plant: Dangerous Vapors, Oil Spills and Life-Threatening Fires
- Melanie Lynskey and More Stars Who Just Missed Out on Huge Roles
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- How Soccer Player Naomi Girma Is Honoring Late Friend Katie Meyer Ahead of the World Cup
- DeSantis Promised in 2018 That if Elected Governor, He Would Clean Up Florida’s Toxic Algae. The Algae Are Still Blooming
- 3 injured in shooting outside Philadelphia bar, police say
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
These Shirtless Photos of Jeremy Allen White Will Have You Saying Yes Chef
Jamie Foxx Shares New Update From Las Vegas 3 Months After Medical Emergency
Nordstrom Clear the Rack Last Day to Shop: Jaw-Dropping Deals Including $3 Swimsuits
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Stop High Heel Pain Before It Starts With This Foot Spray
Barack and Michelle Obama's Chef Dies While Paddleboarding Near Their Martha's Vineyard Home
These $24 Pants Have the Sophistication of Trousers and Comfort of Sweatpants