Feiglin Demands Defense Minister Post, Cites 'No Choice' for Netanyahu

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, stated in a recent interview that he would demand the position of Defense Minister from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if their political bloc wins the upcoming elections. Feiglin asserted that Netanyahu would appoint him to the role if he had no other choice, citing his lack of military generalship as an advantage, arguing that current security concepts have led to failures like those on October 7th. He also expressed regret for a past controversial interview involving feet, calling it a mistake made in a 'Purim-like, relaxed atmosphere.'

Feiglin clarified that Zehut's alliance with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party is a technical bloc, not a full merger, and that Zehut remains an independent entity. He defended his past controversial statements, including remarks about the necessity of eliminating Gazans and the idea that soldiers should refuse to transfer aid to Gaza, which he characterized as an illegal order. Feiglin compared the situation to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, suggesting that in the face of extreme atrocities, civilian lives are forfeit.

Regarding the October 7th attacks, Feiglin suggested that the failure to define the enemy as Gaza itself, rather than just Hamas, has prolonged the conflict. He also addressed past calls for insubordination, stating that refusing to transfer aid to an enemy during wartime is an illegal order. Feiglin also touched upon the concept of treason, noting that organized efforts to dismantle the IDF prior to October 7th could be considered treasonous, though he admitted he lacks full knowledge of specific events.

On social issues, Feiglin called for prioritizing the rights of heterosexuals and suggested that local communities should decide on issues like opening on Shabbat, rather than state control. He also stated that he would welcome Israeli-Arab activist Yoseph Haddad onto their Knesset list, considering him an ally who has tied his fate to the Jewish people.