Knesset Member Belik Discusses "Yesh Atid" Party's Future, Palestinian Statehood, and Post-October 7th Politics

In an exclusive interview with MIG TV, Knesset Member Vladimir Belik of the "Yesh Atid" party addressed his party's declining support, potential future coalitions, and its stance on Arab political parties. Belik acknowledged that "Yesh Atid" is paying a price for failing to hasten elections after the October 7th attacks, a key expectation of their voters. He defended the party's principled decision not to join the government at the war's outset, unlike Benny Gantz, believing it will prove correct in the long term.

Belik dismissed the immediate relevance of establishing a Palestinian state, stating it is unrealistic for at least the next 10 to 15 years, and possibly longer, due to Israeli society's post-October 7th sentiment. He emphasized "Yesh Atid's" focus on "fixing Israel" through economic recovery, security enhancement, and addressing the cost of living, asserting the party is better prepared than Likud to govern. He firmly stated that "Yesh Atid" has no intention of forming a coalition with any Arab party, including Ra'am, deeming it impossible after October 7th.

Regarding the investigation into the October 7th failures, Belik advocated for a state commission, contrasting it with a proposed parity commission. He argued that the current government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, bears responsibility for the events and should not be the one to establish the investigative body. Belik also defended the maritime agreement with Lebanon signed during the previous government's tenure, clarifying it involved economic waters, not territorial ones, and had been beneficial for Israel's security and gas fields.

Belik expressed optimism about "Yesh Atid's" electoral prospects, referencing a "Hungarian model" where late surges could lead to a majority, potentially securing 63-65 seats. He criticized the idea of a minority government, deeming it ineffective and short-lived, and reiterated his commitment to forming a broad Zionist government focused on implementing their platform.