Heritage Minister Warns of Likud Attempts to Weaken Otzma Yehudit

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu expressed concern over potential efforts by the Likud party to diminish the influence of Otzma Yehudit ahead of the next elections. In an interview with Channel 7, Eliyahu predicted difficult coalition negotiations and did not rule out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approaching Gadi Eisenkot for coalition talks. He emphasized that Otzma Yehudit is not a subordinate party to Likud, stating, "We are not a Likud subsidiary party." Eliyahu criticized recent moves that he believes create unnecessary divisions within the right-wing bloc, particularly the absence of Otzma Yehudit representatives from a meeting with Netanyahu and Religious Zionism Chairman Bezalel Smotrich. He argued for unity during this period, suggesting that internal disputes should be deferred until after a government is formed. Eliyahu asserted that Netanyahu would likely attempt to weaken Otzma Yehudit due to the party's strength and the popularity of its leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir. He warned that a weakened Otzma Yehudit would hinder its ability to influence the next government's policies, potentially leading to a regression in national security, development of the Negev and Galilee, and Jewish identity initiatives. Eliyahu also noted a perceived tendency for Likud to "center itself," suggesting that a strong Otzma Yehudit is necessary to pull the political wagon in the "correct direction." Regarding his personal aspirations, Eliyahu indicated his primary focus is on educational and Jewish identity issues, stemming from his family background, but he refrained from specifying a desired ministerial portfolio, preferring to wait until after the elections. He also addressed concerns about attempts to distance students from Jewish tradition in the education system, citing instances where teachers allegedly discouraged students from wearing tefillin, and stated his commitment to strengthening Jewish identity in schools.