Otzma Yehudit Minister Wasserlauf Defends Party's Role, Pushes for Gaza Emigration
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf of Otzma Yehudit defended his party's hardline stance and its role in pushing Prime Minister Netanyahu's government rightward. He highlighted the party's opposition to hostage deals and its advocacy for encouraging emigration from Gaza. Wasserlauf also discussed his efforts to support northern communities affected by conflict and expressed concerns about future coalition possibilities. He believes Israel must achieve a decisive victory in Gaza and rejects rebuilding the territory.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf stated Otzma Yehudit pushed PM Netanyahu rightward, citing Temple Mount changes.
- Wasserlauf defended his party's opposition to hostage deals, citing security concerns.
- Otzma Yehudit advocates for encouraging emigration from Gaza as the primary solution.
- Wasserlauf criticized PM Netanyahu for lacking motivation to pursue Gaza emigration.
- He rejected rebuilding Gaza, advocating for Israeli settlements in the region instead.
- Wasserlauf detailed his efforts to support northern communities and bolster resilience.
Minister of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf, a member of the Otzma Yehudit party, discussed his work and his party's ideology in a recent interview. Despite living in Tel Aviv, Wasserlauf stated he educates his children not to yield to violence, even when facing quiet disapproval from neighbors. He emphasized his focus on practical work and building relationships with local leaders, including those from opposing political factions, citing his close collaboration with Moshe Davidovitch, chairman of the Confrontation Line Forum.
Wasserlauf asserted that his party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, has pushed Prime Minister Netanyahu to adopt more right-wing policies, citing changes on the Temple Mount as an example. He recounted his experiences visiting northern communities after the October 7th attacks, describing witnessing difficult scenes and offering support to residents. Regarding hostage deals, he stated that Otzma Yehudit was the only party in the cabinet to oppose them, citing security assessments that many released terrorists return to violence.
He defended Otzma Yehudit's decision to leave the government over humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite other parties also opposing it. Wasserlauf highlighted his party's role in implementing long-standing right-wing goals, such as changing prison conditions and demolishing illegal structures.
On the issue of Gaza, Wasserlauf reiterated his party's stance that the only solution is encouraging the emigration of Gazan residents, a position he claims Ben-Gvir first raised in the cabinet. He criticized Netanyahu for not actively pursuing this, suggesting a lack of motivation. Wasserlauf also rejected the idea of rebuilding Gaza, advocating instead for Israeli settlements in the region. He dismissed American naivete regarding Hamas and emphasized the need for a decisive victory.
Wasserlauf also addressed internal party dynamics, including Tali Gottlieb's placement on the electoral list ahead of him, which he supported. He praised Gottlieb's suitability for a ministerial role, particularly Minister of Justice, and criticized the current legal establishment. He also discussed his work in the north, particularly in Kiryat Shmona, detailing efforts to improve education, infrastructure, and resilience funding, and expressed optimism about attracting new residents to the Galilee.
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