Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Expresses Fear of Opposition Victory
Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich launched a broadside against various political figures and trends in a recent interview with Walla news. He dismissed the chances of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who is running independently with his new "Am Yisrael" party, to enter the Knesset, stating, "The media is inflating Winter; his chances of passing are close to zero."
Smotrich also took a jab at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a former ally, by contrasting their approaches, saying, "I prefer action over campaigns." He further criticized Economy Minister Nir Barkat of the Likud party regarding the cost of living crisis, remarking, "I don't have a magic solution for the cost of living; I am not Barkat."
Beyond internal disputes within the right-wing bloc, Smotrich voiced significant concern about the possibility of an election victory for the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot. "I am terrified of the possibility that Eisenkot will win," he admitted.
He also issued a stark warning about the potential impact on the legal system under an alternative government, suggesting, "We will miss [current Attorney General] Baharav-Miara."
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