Diaspora Minister Warns Against 'Red Line' of Election Threshold

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli launched a sharp critique against Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Israel' party, following Winter's declaration that he wishes to serve as an independent Defense Minister. Chikli argued in a radio interview on Sunday that Winter's political aspirations endanger the right-wing bloc.

Chikli questioned the concept of an "independent Defense Minister," asking if such a role would operate outside the government and cabinet's authority. He expressed disappointment that Winter, despite claiming to be part of the right-wing bloc, made a statement that suggested a lack of commitment to it, particularly his assertion of wanting the Defense Minister role regardless of the government coalition.

The minister also issued a stark warning about the electoral threshold, commonly known as the "percent of immunity" in Israel. Drawing from his own experience with the "New Right" party, Chikli described the threshold as "cruel." He cautioned that parties polling around four seats a month before an election are in a "bright red zone," implying a significant risk of failing to cross the threshold and being excluded from the Knesset.