Feiglin Says Netanyahu Should Have Resigned on Oct. 7

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party and a prominent figure in Religious Zionism, stated in a television interview that Prime Minister Netanyahu should have taken responsibility and resigned on October 7, the day of the Hamas attacks. Despite this criticism, Feiglin affirmed his continued support for Netanyahu, explaining that the majority of Jewish voters still support the Prime Minister. He also expressed his belief that Israel should pursue the conquest, expulsion, and settlement of Gaza, and outlined a plan for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the military.

Feiglin discussed the personal impact of the war, mentioning the death of his grandson, Yair, and how it has changed his perspective. He also touched upon the political discourse surrounding the war, lamenting that instead of addressing the failures that led to October 7, politicians have used the events to attack their rivals. He characterized the political divide as one between the "Jewish majority" and the "Israeli minority," placing himself within the former.

During the interview, Feiglin also addressed his political alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism party. He acknowledged ideological overlaps, particularly regarding settling the land and loyalty to Israel, but noted significant differences in their fundamental approaches. Feiglin described his party, Zehut, as offering a distinct alternative to the status quo, viewing the state as a potential problem rather than the sole solution, contrasting this with both left and right-wing parties.

Feiglin reiterated his stance on Gaza, advocating for "conquest, expulsion, and settlement," and dismissed concerns about international sanctions, stating that the safety of future generations is his primary concern. He also proposed a plan for equal military conscription for both Haredi and secular Israelis, claiming it has support from both Haredi leaders and military officials. On other social issues, Feiglin expressed opposition to public transportation on Shabbat and discussed his views on the construction of the Third Temple, emphasizing the need for national consensus rather than a political majority.

When pressed about his support for Netanyahu, Feiglin stated, "I don't think Netanyahu is a bad person," and acknowledged his economic achievements. However, he maintained that the strategic failures leading to October 7 were a direct consequence of past policies, including the Oslo Accords and the disengagement from Gaza. He positioned Zehut as the necessary alternative for the right wing, offering a different path from the left's approach.