Eisenkot Party Official Predicts Likud Voters Will Defect
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Shaul Meridor, a senior figure in Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party, believes Likud voters will defect to his party if it is perceived as stronger. He outlined a strategy for Yashar to lead the opposition, emphasizing the need for high voter turnout and a strong centrist bloc. Meridor also strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Yariv Levin, ruling out any future government cooperation with them.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shaul Meridor believes Likud voters will switch to Gadi Eisenkot's party if it appears stronger.
- Meridor outlined a strategy for Eisenkot's party to lead the opposition with over 61 mandates.
- High voter turnout is crucial for the opposition bloc to achieve victory, according to Meridor.
- Meridor stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should leave office due to his responsibility for a "greatest disaster."
- Meridor rejected any possibility of forming a government with Netanyahu or serving alongside Minister Yariv Levin.
- Meridor defended the Supreme Court's role in protecting minority rights against government overreach.
Shaul Meridor, a senior figure in Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party, stated that a significant factor would drive Likud voters to his party: the perception of Yashar being a larger and stronger alternative. Speaking at a private event, Meridor outlined his party's post-election strategy, emphasizing the need for Yashar to become the leading opposition force with over 61 mandates to win. He argued that a strong centrist party is crucial for achieving this goal, rather than focusing on minor list placements.
Meridor presented four key reasons why Yashar must be substantially larger than the Likud. These include securing the first mandate from the President, which grants control over Knesset committees vital for government formation and legislative maneuvering. He also stressed the importance of governing from the center to ensure government stability and reduce the influence of smaller parties. Furthermore, Meridor asserted that Likud and right-wing voters would only switch to a party they perceive as a more substantial and powerful home, dismissing the idea that smaller parties could attract such voters.
Meridor also discussed the potential for achieving 63-64 mandates, contingent on high voter turnout, particularly from the right-wing bloc. He drew parallels to previous elections where fragmented blocs led to lost mandates, contrasting it with the current situation where the opposition bloc is well-organized. Meridor criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holding him responsible for what he termed Israel's "greatest disaster" and stating Netanyahu should leave office in shame.
In a heated exchange, Meridor rejected any possibility of forming a government with Netanyahu, citing his responsibility for the current situation. He also criticized Minister Yariv Levin, describing him as the "negative" of his own beliefs and accusing him of seeking a dictatorship. Meridor defended the Supreme Court (Bagatz) against government attacks, explaining its role in a democracy is to prevent arbitrary decisions and protect minority rights, stating he could not serve in a government with Levin due to their opposing views on the judiciary and governance.
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