Far-Right MK Emerges as Unlikely Environmental Champion
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
MK Yitzhak Kroizer of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party surprised attendees at an environmental panel by identifying as "green" and highlighting his legislative achievements, including blocking military construction in the Golan Heights and advancing waste management laws. His actions challenge traditional environmentalist outreach, though his alignment with a party holding controversial views raises questions. The article also notes a significant waste pile fire near Zamer and criticizes Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's inaction on illegal tree felling.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Yitzhak Kroizer of Otzma Yehudit declared himself "green" at an environmental panel, challenging traditional environmentalist outreach.
- Kroizer, as chair of the Knesset Interior and Environmental Quality Committee, has achieved environmental successes, including blocking IDF construction.
- His environmental stance is contrasted with his party's controversial positions on social and judicial issues.
- A large waste mountain near Zamer caught fire, posing a health risk to residents.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is criticized for his alleged refusal to authorize inspectors for illegal tree felling enforcement.
A panel discussion on environmental issues held at the Beit Eshkol in Jerusalem saw an unexpected participant: MK Yitzhak Kroizer of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. While only five of the significant Knesset factions sent representatives, four were from the opposition, with Kroizer being the sole coalition representative. His presence and statements challenged the traditional environmentalist movement's approach, as he proudly declared himself "green."
Kroizer, who became chairman of the Knesset Interior and Environmental Quality Committee after the departure of Haredi members from executive roles, has a record of environmental achievements during his roughly one-year tenure. These include blocking the IDF's plans to build a training facility on the Ein Fita nature site in the Golan Heights, removing environmentally damaging clauses from the Arrangements Law, and advancing legislation for construction waste management. His approach was described as businesslike and statesmanlike, involving cooperation with legal counsel and opposition members.
When questioned about the environmental minister's political attacks on environmental organizations, Kroizer stated that these groups were welcome guests and full partners in his committee, pledging to continue this collaboration. He also committed to working towards the reinstatement of canceled sustainability education programs and funding, which were reduced during Yoav Kisch's tenure.
Despite Kroizer's environmental advocacy, the article notes the inherent contradiction of aligning with a party holding homophobic, misogynistic, and racist views and seeking to dismantle the judicial system. MK Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu remarked that one cannot be part of such a party and simultaneously fight for environmental protection. The piece also touches on Kroizer's background, including his father's leadership of a yeshiva founded by Meir Kahane, and his own controversial statements regarding Palestinians, raising questions about whether he represents a new, hopeful face for the environmental movement or a disturbing one.
Separately, the article highlights ongoing environmental issues, including a large waste mountain near Zamer that caught fire, posing a health hazard to nearby residents. It also criticizes Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his alleged arbitrary refusal to authorize inspectors from the Agriculture Ministry's unit for the prevention of forest fires, leading to a lack of enforcement against illegal tree felling.