Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an order Oct. 22 declaring six Palestinian rights groups in the West Bank would henceforth be treated as terrorist organizations. The results in the cabinet were predictable, with furious ministers on the left.

Gantz failed to notify the government in advance of the measure, which conflicted with the core principles underlying the coalition agreement and humiliated coalition partners on the left. Some ministers on the left knew those groups and their leaders personally, even maintaining a working relationship with some, contributing to the sense that Gantz’ decision was a politically motivated attempt to harm his coalition partners.

The defense minister's move has created an ideological crisis between the opposing flanks of the current government. To make matters worse, it happened at an especially sensitive time: just two weeks before the government must approve its budget. With a fragile Knesset majority, it is no a simple matter.

With the budget on the line, ministers on the left have made exerted efforts in the past four months to hold back criticism against right-wing coalition partners. They kept quiet despite government statements and policies that conflict with their worldview to avoid destabilizing the coalition. Still, this time they seem to feel that a red line had been crossed and they can no longer be silent, even if it means risking a coalition crisis that harms the image of the harmonious working environment Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has long been trying to foster.