Former Minister Ayelet Shaked Criticizes Netanyahu, Predicts Election Stalemate

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holding him responsible for the October 7th events and accusing his government of causing severe societal division. Speaking at the "One on One" conference hosted by the Directors Forum of the Union of Directors, Shaked stated, "I think Netanyahu needs to go. He has both responsibility and blame for 7/10." She added that many on the right currently feel they have no one to vote for due to the current government's divisive policies.

Shaked also addressed her decision not to run in the current election cycle. She explained her initial intention was to "break the blocs" in the political system, aiming for a unity government. However, she observed that the public did not support this idea, as no unity party gained traction and no candidate was willing to compromise. Consequently, she decided to remain in the real estate sector for the time being, with an eye toward future political involvement.

Looking ahead, Shaked offered a bleak forecast for the upcoming elections, predicting that neither bloc will win and a government will not be formed. "In the upcoming elections, no bloc will win and there will be no government, and you will see that I am right," she asserted. She also accused Netanyahu of hypocrisy, noting, "Netanyahu constantly asks why they are boycotting him, but he boycotts the other side just as much."