Danny Danon. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon on Tuesday evening after Danon labeled the Israeli Diplomatic-Security Cabinet’s decision to pursue a cease-fire deal with Hamas a “strategic mistake.”

“It is inconceivable that the deputy defense minister would attack the country’s leadership in such a blunt manner as it conducts a military campaign. … Such grave statements by the deputy defense minister show gross irresponsibility, especially given his role in the government, and can be used by Hamas to undermine the Israeli government, as clearly indicated by [Hamas] media broadcasts,” Netanyahu said.

Danon, who remains a Knesset member for the Likud party, said Netanyahu “cannot accept the fact that others in the Likud don’t share his opinions.”

“I will not sell out my ideological beliefs for the sake of holding office,” he said.