Israeli Communications Minister Slams Opponents, Judicial System

During the launch event for the Likud party's campaign on Thursday, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karai articulated the party's objectives and issued a warning about the potential consequences of a left-wing government. He also took a jab at Ofer Winter, stating, "He is Kaplan's hope."

Karai emphasized that the Likud movement is the "backbone of the national camp" and is essential for "saving the State of Israel." He expressed concern that Israel could fall into the hands of figures like Yair Golan, Mansour Abbas, and Ahmed Tibi, asserting that the election is a choice between a "Jewish and democratic state" and a "state of all its citizens" where the Supreme Court holds ultimate power and figures like Izchakoff, Yair Golan, and Mansour Abbas could form a government.

Karai launched a direct attack on the judicial system, particularly after the Supreme Court's recent decisions to disqualify reporting from ballot boxes and prevent the commemoration of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. He accused the judges of attempting to "devour the ballots" and acknowledged that the public's support is with them. Karai believes the judiciary is resorting to "technical" means to undermine them, citing the indictment against the Prime Minister just before previous elections and attempts to manipulate ballot counts.

He further criticized the ban on using electronic voting systems, interpreting it as an effort to prevent them from encouraging voters to go to the polls. Karai stated, "Our people are not stupid, they see the writing on the wall. They understand that they are trying to harm us, our people, to crown the Muslim Brotherhood here." He directly addressed the Supreme Court, declaring, "Despite your anger, the public will rush to the ballot box. You have motivated them today."

Regarding Ofer Winter's "Amcha Israel" party, Karai asserted that Winter is "Kaplan's hope." He argued that regardless of whether Winter's party crosses the electoral threshold, it benefits "Kaplan." If Winter fails to pass, Karai claims he will "waste votes for the right." If Winter does pass, Karai suggested he might not align with the right-wing bloc, potentially aligning with Avigdor Lieberman, and could "take votes that will pass with him to a bloc that boycotts parts of the right-wing bloc."