Candidate Quits Israeli Party Amid Pressure, PM Urges Others to Follow

Duvdi Ben Zion, the eighth-ranked candidate on the "Amcha Israel" party list, announced his resignation Tuesday evening following intense pressure from within the right-wing bloc. This move comes as polls indicate the party is hovering around the electoral threshold, raising concerns within the bloc that it might not pass the required percentage of votes to enter the Knesset. Just a week prior, Ben Zion had publicly stated his commitment to the party, writing in a WhatsApp group, "I am not going anywhere, I am not leaving and not retreating." He later explained his decision by stating, "Friends, I love you, my family and my wife come first. Each one of you is dear to me and may you continue to succeed, God willing."

The "Amcha Israel" party released a statement expressing their affection for Ben Zion and regret over the "pressure, threats, and harassment" directed at him and his family by individuals who oppose new forces entering Israeli politics. The party acknowledged that not everyone can withstand such "improper and despicable pressures."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Ben Zion's decision, stating, "I commend Duvdi Ben Zion for his important decision to withdraw from Winter's party after understanding that Winter's run endangers the right-wing bloc and would lead to the establishment of a left-wing government of Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Lieberman, Bennett, and the Arab parties." Netanyahu urged other party members to consider similar actions to ensure a right-wing victory.