Key Candidate Quits Ofer Winter's Party Amid Election Pressure
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Devedi Ben Zion, a candidate for Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael" party, is set to resign due to intense pressure, as polls suggest the party may not pass the electoral threshold. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich lauded Ben Zion's move and urged Winter to also withdraw from the election. The "Am Yisrael" party condemned the alleged threats and harassment against Ben Zion and his family, calling the pressure "improper and despicable."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Devedi Ben Zion is expected to resign from Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael" party after facing significant pressure.
- Recent polls indicate "Am Yisrael" may not pass the electoral threshold, causing concern for the right-wing bloc.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised Ben Zion's resignation and called on Ofer Winter to withdraw from the election.
- The "Am Yisrael" party accused unnamed actors of applying improper pressure, threats, and harassment against Ben Zion and his family.
- Smotrich urged other party members Eran Ben Ari and Li Deri to follow Ben Zion's lead to prevent a left-wing government.
Devedi Ben Zion, who was positioned eighth on the "Am Yisrael" party list led by Ofer Winter, is expected to announce his departure from the party on Tuesday evening following significant pressure. This move comes as recent polls indicate Winter's party is unlikely to pass the electoral threshold, raising concerns within the right-wing camp about vote dilution in the upcoming elections.
Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Minister of Finance, praised Ben Zion's decision as a "brave and difficult step of national responsibility." Smotrich also used the announcement to call on Ofer Winter himself to withdraw from the race, stating, "I call on Ofer Winter, who has shown military courage for many years, to also show civilian courage." Additionally, Smotrich urged other party list members, Eran Ben Ari and Li Deri, to follow Ben Zion's example to prevent the formation of a left-wing government.
In response, the "Am Yisrael" party issued a sharp statement, alleging that Ben Zion faced improper pressure, including threats and harassment directed at his family and children. "Dear Devedi, we love you. We are sorry for the pressure, threats, and harassment of children and family you had to endure," the party said. They also criticized unnamed individuals who they claim are resistant to new forces entering Israeli politics, adding, "Not everyone can withstand the improper and despicable pressures you and your family faced. Thank you for the shared journey."
Mentioned
