Zvika Fogel Explains Knesset List Snub, Cites Ideological Differences

Member of Knesset Zvika Fogel, chairman of the National Security Committee, publicly addressed for the first time his exclusion from the Otzma Yehudit slate for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. Fogel stated that party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir informed him that Fogel's "state-oriented" approach did not align with the intended character of the new list.

Fogel released his statement after various accounts of his departure circulated, and following numerous inquiries from the public. He explicitly denied claims that he demanded a ministerial position as a condition for remaining with the party, asserting, "The decision to part ways was not due to setting conditions for a ministerial role."

He explained that during discussions for forming the list, Ben-Gvir indicated his intention to build a slate with a different character, and that Fogel's "state-oriented" path was incompatible with Ben-Gvir's vision for the list's composition.

Fogel refrained from criticizing Ben-Gvir, expressing respect for his authority to determine the list's makeup. "I respect Itamar's right to choose the people with whom he wishes to continue, and I am completely at peace with the way I have acted as a Knesset member, as chairman of the National Security Committee, and as chairman of the Otzma Yehudit faction," he said.

Fogel concluded his remarks with a sense of satisfaction regarding his public service, expressing pride in the achievements of the past four years. He wished his colleagues in Otzma Yehudit and the coalition success in the elections. The Otzma Yehudit list, submitted to the Central Elections Committee, features MK Tali Gottlieb in second place, followed by Ministers Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Amichai Eliyahu, and MKs Limor Son Har-Melech and Yitzhak Kroizer. Fogel, who held senior party positions in the outgoing Knesset, is not included.