Israeli Minister Slams Political Rivals, Defends Controversial Commentator

Minister of Communications Shlomo Karai has sharply criticized Ofer Winter, a candidate in the upcoming elections, stating that Winter's party is "on the side of Palestine" and is wasting right-wing votes. Karai expressed this view in an interview with Channel 14, asserting that Winter's party would not pass the electoral threshold and that even if it did, it would not be part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc. Karai acknowledged Winter's military background but claimed his party members hold views contrary to the right-wing ideology.

Karai also addressed the controversy surrounding Yosef Haddad, a member of Winter's list, and his past remarks about establishing a Palestinian state. Karai suggested Haddad's recent disavowal of those comments was politically motivated due to the upcoming elections. The minister further commented on the tension between the Likud party and Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, characterizing Ben-Gvir's actions as "media muscle-flexing" typical of election periods.

Additionally, Karai defended commentator Yinon Magal against accusations of making anti-Mizrahi remarks. Karai stated that Magal was actually defending the right-wing, the periphery, and Mizrahi communities, and that Prime Minister Netanyahu had misunderstood Magal's comments when he called for an apology. Karai believes Magal's words were taken out of context and are distracting from the election campaign. He also warned right-wing voters against complacency, citing potentially low turnout in their strongholds.

Karai also stated that Netanyahu had clarified that the parties forming the current government would continue to be the basis for the next government.