Israeli Party Stands Firm After First Resignation Amidst Poll Slump
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The "Am Israel" party is facing internal challenges and declining poll numbers ahead of the next election. Dovide Ben Zion, eighth on the party list, resigned due to pressure from political rivals and religious figures. Party leader Ofer Vinter vowed to continue the campaign, while other members criticized the political climate. Recent polls suggest the party may not pass the electoral threshold.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ofer Vinter's "Am Israel" party faces pressure after Dovide Ben Zion's resignation.
- Vinter vowed to continue the campaign despite declining poll numbers.
- Netali Shem Tov criticized political tactics and accused past leaders of fighting the party.
- Ben Zion resigned following pressure from associates of Bezalel Smotrich and Rabbi Elyakim Levanon.
- Ayelet Shaked reportedly advised Ben Zion that the party might not pass the electoral threshold.
- Billboards along Route 60 called for the resignations of Ben Zion and Lali Deri.
The "Am Israel" party held a press conference on Wednesday, presenting a united front following a decline in opinion polls, with some predicting the party may not pass the electoral threshold. This comes after Dovide Ben Zion, ranked eighth on the party's list, resigned under pressure.
Party leader Ofer Vinter declared, "We are Am Israel, and we will not surrender. We are running to the end with all our might, solely for the people." He drew a parallel to his military service, recalling an instance where he refused to apologize for praying before a battle, stating, "I am a proud Jew, I am not ashamed of my Judaism." Vinter noted that his stance has since become more accepted, with prayers now common before combat.
Netali Shem Tov, ranked third, asserted, "Even in politics, there are boundaries that should not be crossed." She criticized the alleged pursuit of children and the vilification of national heroes, stating, "The people of Israel despise this, are fed up with it, are disgusted by it, they do not want it." Shem Tov questioned why people would want to enter politics given the alleged actions of past leaders, including former prime ministers, a former chief of staff, and former ministers, whom she accused of fighting the party with "violent and base methods."
Ben Zion's decision to resign, according to reports, was influenced by pressure from associates of Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, and Rabbi Elyakim Levanon. Ben Zion also consulted with Ayelet Shaked, who reportedly advised him that based on her experience with the "New Right" party in 2019, Vinter's party was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold. Recent polls have shown a drop in support for the party, with some indicating it falls below the required percentage to enter the Knesset.
Pressure on Ben Zion was visible in billboards along Route 60 calling for his and Lali Deri's resignations. Following the erection of these billboards, Ben Zion wrote in a party WhatsApp group that his community was "full" and his wife was "broken by this." He later announced his resignation to the group, stating, "Friends, I love you, family and my wife above all. Each and every one of you is dear to me, and may you continue to succeed, God willing."
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