Talik Guili Responds to Political Controversy, Defends Remarks
Talik Guili, mother of fallen IDF soldier Ran Guili and a newly elected Likud Knesset member, has addressed the controversy surrounding her initial political statement. In an interview for the "120 Minutes" podcast, Guili clarified her remarks, stating that when she warned that "if the other camp wins, the memory of the kingdom's heroes will disappear," she was referring not to individuals but to a potential government coalition with Arab parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. She expressed fear that such a government would prevent the completion of the mission in Gaza and hinder Israel's healthy existence.
Guili recounted the tragic loss of her son, Ran, who was killed fighting terrorists on October 7th and whose body was returned to Israel in January 2025 after being held by Hamas. She explained that her family, unlike some others, did not push for a deal at all costs, supporting the government's strategy of military pressure. She described the agonizing period of not knowing her son's fate and the eventual hope that he might be alive, followed by the devastating confirmation of his death.
Reflecting on her entry into politics, Guili revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally offered her a reserved spot on the Likud list. She initially hesitated, citing her lack of political experience, but Netanyahu encouraged her to view it as a mission. Guili also detailed the complex military operation that led to the recovery of her son's body, involving the interrogation of individuals connected to his abduction and a large-scale search among thousands of bodies in Gaza.
Despite facing criticism from various political factions, including families of other victims, Guili maintained that her words came from the heart and were not intended to divide. She emphasized her belief in democracy and the importance of understanding differing viewpoints, stating, "I am not an enemy of anyone. The people of Israel are not my enemy. I have positions and I have never hidden them."
Looking ahead, Guili expressed a desire to advocate for victims of the October 7th attacks and their families, particularly regarding recognition as victims of hostile acts. She also called for a national, equitable investigative committee to provide answers about the events, expressing her own doubts and the need for clarity.
