Bereaved Israelis Criticize Government, Call for National Unity
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
At a conference, Sigal Kraunik, a candidate for the Amcha Israel party, criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and existing political parties, advocating for new movements. She also called for the expulsion of all Gazans, stating her political goal is "migration" from Gaza and potentially Judea and Samaria. Shira Shapira, another candidate, opposed a Palestinian state and condemned racist remarks, while Sharon Sharabi stressed the need for national unity. Minister Ophir Akunis urged Ofer Winter and the Noam party to withdraw from the Knesset race.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Sigal Kraunik advocates for new parties and calls for the "migration" of all Gazans, deeming them complicit with Hamas.
- Kraunik criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's focus on Ofer Winter's campaign and warned of right-wing self-destruction.
- Minister Ophir Akunis urged Ofer Winter and the Noam party to withdraw from the Knesset election race.
- Shira Shapira, mother of a fallen hero, opposed a Palestinian state and condemned racist rhetoric.
- Sharon Sharabi, whose brother was a hostage, emphasized the critical need for Israeli national unity.
- Speakers at the conference expressed support for Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria.
At the second Tzomet Institute and Makor Rishon conference, a panel titled "From Crisis to Public Action" featured speakers who lost family members in the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war. Sigal Kraunik, widow of Kibbutz Be'eri security officer Arik Kraunik, and a candidate for the Amcha Israel party, responded to Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent criticism of "frivolous parties." Kraunik suggested that those satisfied with the past four years, the security failures of October 7th, the lack of a state inquiry, and national division should vote for existing parties. She urged those seeking change to support new parties formed from the people, like Amcha Israel.
Kraunik also questioned Prime Minister Netanyahu's focus on Ofer Winter's campaign, suggesting Winter was sidelined when he chose to run independently rather than align with Netanyahu. She warned that if the right-wing fails, it will be self-inflicted, "he who shoots inside the APC should not be surprised if the APC explodes."
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Ophir Akunis called for Ofer Winter and the Noam party to withdraw from the Knesset race. He also discussed the possibility of Religious Zionism joining a unity government and addressed the violence in Judea and Samaria, stating it cannot be ignored.
Kraunik expressed disappointment with Minister Akunis's perceived hesitation on key issues and reiterated her commitment to returning to Be'eri. She stated her political motivation is solely for the "migration" of Gazans, asserting that all residents of Gaza are complicit with Hamas and should be expelled. She also advocated for Israeli settlement in Areas A and B, arguing that Oslo Accords were never upheld and that security forces failed to protect her community on October 7th.
Shira Shapira, mother of fallen hero Aner Shapira and a candidate for the Yashar party, opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state, suggesting such a goal aligns with Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions. She condemned recent "degrading" and "racist" remarks, referencing a song by her son that emphasized human differences. Shapira affirmed support for settlers in Judea and Samaria, the Galilee, and the western Negev, provided their settlements are legal and contribute to security.
Sharon Sharabi, whose brother Eli Sharabi was released from Hamas captivity, emphasized the importance of responsible unity, stating that no enemy can overcome a united Israel. He cautioned against the media's tendency to highlight extremism, which he believes is dangerous for Israeli society.
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