Election Event for Students Sparks Fierce Political Debate

An election event held for students in Ness Ziona devolved into a scene of political confrontation and sharp remarks, with party representatives addressing topics including the war, Haredi conscription, and controversies surrounding public officials. Likud representative Binay Ashkenazi claimed the October 7th attack was motivated by the "change government" and the inclusion of the United Arab List (Ra'am) in the coalition. He stated that IDF investigations and intelligence indicate "Sinwar's strategic decision to go to war was because we gave the Muslim Brotherhood the keys to the government."

The issue of Haredi conscription was also raised, with Motty Leitner stating, "We will provide the IDF with a missing brigade from the Haredi public that does not study," referring to the need to increase enlistment, particularly among Haredim not studying in yeshivas.

Clashes also occurred regarding the conduct of public officials. The principal of Ben Gurion School, Iris Doron, prohibited Otzma Yehudit activists from distributing pistol-shaped keychains and nooses to students. Meanwhile, Naor Shiri attacked MK Tali Gottlieb, saying, "If Tali Gottlieb were named Ahmed Tibi, she would be in jail," alleging she revealed state secrets.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir was directly questioned by a student about his lack of IDF service. Ben-Gvir responded that he was convicted of supporting terrorism due to a sticker that read 'Expel the Arab enemy.' The event, part of election activities targeting youth, covered central Israeli public disputes, including responsibility for the October 7th failures, Haredi conscription, public officials' conduct, and the boundaries of political discourse.