New Otzma Yehudit Candidate Supports IDF Draft, Separate Hospital for Bedouin

Gadi Mazuz, a former deputy mayor of Beersheba and a new candidate for the Otzma Yehudit party, has previously called for the suspension of a student who posted a eulogy for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and advocated for a separate hospital to serve the Bedouin population.

Mazuz, who is now running for the Knesset with Itamar Ben-Gvir's party, expressed outrage in August 2024 after a student at Ben-Gurion University posted a video mourning Haniyeh. Mazuz urged the Education Minister and the university's rector to suspend the student, stating, "It is very infuriating that a student at Ben-Gurion University posted a eulogy for the murderer of murderers, and the management refuses to suspend him." He added that Haniyeh was "the greatest terrorist in recent years" and that students who behave like enemies of the state should not be supported by the university.

Regarding the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, Mazuz presented a more moderate stance. As the father of three sons and a member of the Religious Zionist community, he acknowledged the importance of Torah study for the Jewish people but emphasized that "when there is a mitzvah war, even a bride and groom leave their wedding canopy." He stated that the country needs soldiers during the ongoing difficult war and that it is unacceptable for both the Haredi and secular societies to exploit exemptions. He also expressed a desire to avoid creating animosity between the Religious Zionist community and the Haredi and secular populations.

In his former role as chairman of the Beersheba Municipal Security Committee, Mazuz called for the establishment of a hospital in Segev Shalom to serve the Bedouin community living outside the city. This call came after several violent incidents involving Bedouin residents at Soroka Hospital. Mazuz explained that a dedicated hospital would alleviate pressure on Soroka and benefit the Bedouin community itself, stating, "It is not out of racism, but to make peace." He also noted that some members of the Bedouin community behave differently, leading to fear among nurses.

Following an attack on a 17-year-old in Beersheba, Mazuz invited Ben-Gvir and Minister Waseela to discuss the issue with residents.