Gideon Saar Criticizes Political Rivals, Warns of Right-Wing Election Split

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, speaking on the Ynet podcast "120 and One," expressed concerns about the fragmentation of the right-wing bloc ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. He warned that multiple small parties insisting on running independently, such as those led by Ofer Vinter and Itamar Ben-Gvir, risk splitting the vote and allowing the left to win, citing the 1992 elections and the Oslo Accords as a historical parallel. Saar specifically urged Vinter, whose party is polling near or below the electoral threshold, to merge with larger factions immediately.

Saar also addressed potential alliances, stating he believes Vinter will remain loyal to Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Netanyahu's fears of Vinter joining forces with Yair Lapid or Naftali Bennett. Regarding Itamar Ben-Gvir, Saar acknowledged past disagreements and stated that while Ben-Gvir has sometimes harmed Israel's international standing, he should be seen as a potential partner for a broad national government, advocating for a central right-wing party rather than extremist factions.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Saar stated he has moved past his previous departure from Likud and is glad to be back, having learned from the experience. He also revealed knowledge of a plan to oust Netanyahu after the October 7th events, involving Likud members and elements of the protest movement, and suggested that Benny Gantz's and Gadi Eisenkot's departures from the government were linked to this plot.

Saar was critical of Gadi Eisenkot's potential bid for prime minister, arguing that Eisenkot lacks the necessary political and ministerial experience, calling it a "recipe for failure." He also touched upon the ultra-Orthodox parties' demands regarding conscription, stating that while mistakes were made in past negotiations, the core issue is the content of any law, emphasizing that those not studying must be drafted and that efforts should be made to gain ultra-Orthodox support for a solution.

Saar also mentioned that he, along with Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, had expressed concerns about the radicalization within Likud. He recalled his past collaboration with Netanyahu, noting a period of crisis that led to his temporary departure from the party, but expressed satisfaction with his return.