Longtime Likud Member Declares Support for Naftali Bennett
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Senior businessman and longtime Likud member Oren Helman announced he will vote for Naftali Bennett, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th failures and his government's actions against state institutions. Helman, who served in reserves extensively after October 7th, also criticized the unequal burden of military service and government attacks on the judiciary and free press. He urged other Likud members to vote for Bennett, whom he believes embodies true right-wing values.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Oren Helman, a senior businessman and Likud member, will vote for Naftali Bennett.
- Helman cited Prime Minister Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th failures as a key reason.
- He criticized the government's actions against the judiciary and free press.
- Helman also raised concerns about the unequal burden of military service.
- He urged other Likud members to vote for Bennett, calling him a value-based right-wing leader.
Oren Helman, a senior businessman and decades-long member of the Likud party, announced on Monday that he and his family will vote for Naftali Bennett in the upcoming elections. Helman, who previously worked with and admired Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that he can no longer vote for him, citing Netanyahu's "ultimate responsibility" for the "terrible failure" of the October 7th attacks.
Helman expressed disappointment that instead of taking personal responsibility, Netanyahu is blaming others. He also criticized the government's efforts to weaken the judicial system, its actions against the Attorney General, and Netanyahu's treatment of the Supreme Court president. Helman further voiced concerns about attacks on critical media and legislation affecting broadcasting, fearing the suppression of free press and criticism.
Another significant issue for Helman is the exemption of the ultra-Orthodox from military conscription. Having recently returned to reserve duty and served extensively since October 7th, he finds it unacceptable that Netanyahu prioritizes political partnerships that allow for inequality in the burden of service. Helman also mentioned suspicions of treason in the Qatar affair and questions surrounding Netanyahu's advisors.
Helman, who identifies as a true right-wing individual with deep Zionist roots, detailed his extensive history within the right-wing movement, including his time as chairman of the Likud student cell at Tel Aviv University and his advisory role to Netanyahu from 2004 to 2006. He asserted that his right-wing stance is not dependent on Netanyahu, emphasizing that "Netanyahu is not the right wing." He also noted that he has faced severe online abuse and threats for his criticisms.
Helman concluded by urging fellow Likud members to vote for Bennett, whom he described as a value-based, religious, and liberal right-wing leader that even historical figures like Jabotinsky and Begin would support. He stressed the importance of voting for state leadership that is responsible and unifying, rather than remaining home or despairing.
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