Hendel: If We're Stuck Again, Priority Is Not Bibi
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Yoaz Hendel declared his party's refusal to ally with "anti-Zionist" Haredi or Arab parties, aiming to form a "Zionist government" that enforces universal conscription. He believes 250,000 voters seek an alternative to existing political blocs and criticized the influence of Haredi parties on government decisions. Hendel proposed barring non-service individuals from elected office and government jobs, linking the need for political change to the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. He also commented on the recent death of a teenager during a school trip in a dangerous area.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yoaz Hendel stated his party will not sit with "anti-Zionist" Haredi or Arab parties.
- Hendel proposed barring those who don't serve from elected office and government jobs.
- He believes 250,000 voters seek an alternative to current political blocs.
- Hendel criticized the influence of Haredi parties on government decisions and budgets.
- He stated that if the political system is gridlocked again, his priority will be "not to have Bibi."
- Hendel commented on the death of a teenager during a school trip in a dangerous area.
Yoaz Hendel stated that his party will not sit with "anti-Zionist" Haredi or Arab parties, aiming instead to unite "Zionist forces" for universal conscription. He believes 250,000 voters are seeking an alternative to the current political blocs, disillusioned with the "mass draft evasion, cost of living, and the two blocs leading us to further elections."
Hendel criticized Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, stating his own focus is on forming a "Zionist government" that promotes conscription and lowers the cost of living. However, he clarified that if the political system becomes gridlocked again, his "priority will be not to have Bibi."
He also attacked the Haredi parties' influence, citing their role in government decisions and budget allocations. Hendel specifically mentioned a "yeshiva head tearing up a conscription order" while his institution receives millions annually, and a "member Winter" who he claims pledges allegiance only to Netanyahu and the Haredi parties.
Hendel proposed significant sanctions for those who do not serve, including barring them from government positions and ensuring those who serve are prioritized. He suggested that individuals who do not complete military or national service should be ineligible to vote or be elected to the Knesset, acknowledging this is an extreme stance.
Connecting the political crisis to the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war, Hendel described a recent visit to Kibbutz Be'eri as a catalyst for his call for deep change. He emphasized the need to avoid returning to the pre-war political instability and the inability to form a "Zionist government."
Separately, Hendel addressed the death of 14-year-old Elazar Yair Wilensky during a trip in the Ramim ridge area, calling it a tragedy. He urged caution regarding travel in dangerous areas with unexploded ordnance, suggesting the Ministry of Education and Israel Police should re-evaluate approved travel locations, especially in active combat zones.
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