Ex-MK Ben-Ari Endorses Smotrich, Criticizes New Right-Wing Party
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Former MK Michael Ben-Ari will vote for Bezalel Smotrich.
- Ben-Ari cited Smotrich's refusal to partner with Ra'am.
- He criticized Ofer Winter's new right-wing party.
- Ben-Ari questioned Yosef Haddad's role in the new party.
Former Knesset Member Dr. Michael Ben-Ari announced his voting intention for the upcoming elections, stating his support for Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Ben-Ari cited Smotrich's refusal to ally with the Arab party Ra'am as a key reason for his endorsement. He also expressed strong criticism of a new right-wing party led by Brigadier General (Res.) Ofer Winter, calling its approach "immature and childish."
Ben-Ari specifically questioned the inclusion of activist Yosef Haddad as number two on Winter's list. He argued that Haddad, who is Arab, should not represent him on matters of religion and state and suggested Haddad should instead run with an Arab party. Ben-Ari's remarks were made during an interview on the radio program "One at Noon" on Kol Barama.
He also commented on the new party's potential, stating that it is "very immature and childish." Ben-Ari's comments indicate a clear preference for Smotrich, whom he sees as the only viable option on the right, while dismissing the new political venture.