Finance Minister Smotrich Appeals to Vinter After Rabbi Sadan Meeting
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich released a video message to Ofer Vinter, chairman of "Am Ech Yisrael," expressing hurt over Vinter's six-month boycott. Smotrich appealed for unity after he and Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Rabbi Eli Sadan. He criticized Vinter's independent political run as irresponsible and a potential threat to Israel's future, while defending his government's achievements. Smotrich urged Vinter to stop his "slander campaign" and reconsider his political direction.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich appealed to Ofer Vinter via video, citing a six-month boycott.
- Smotrich expressed pain over Vinter's independent political run, calling it irresponsible.
- The appeal followed a meeting Smotrich and PM Netanyahu had with Rabbi Eli Sadan.
- Smotrich defended his government's work and criticized Vinter's campaign as slander.
- Smotrich urged Vinter to stop his "mud-slinging" and reconsider his political path.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed Ofer Vinter, chairman of "Am Ech Yisrael," via a selfie video, expressing his pain over Vinter's boycott of him for the past six months. Smotrich's appeal came after he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Rabbi Eli Sadan, whom both Smotrich and Vinter reportedly respect.
Smotrich stated that Vinter has refused to meet, speak, or consult with him for half a year, calling himself "radioactive" in Vinter's eyes. He emphasized that they are on the same side, both desiring the good of Israel and the victory of the national camp, and that he greatly respects Vinter.
However, Smotrich criticized Vinter's decision to run independently, calling it irresponsible and a potential danger to Israel's future by wasting votes and falling below the electoral threshold. He believes Vinter has a significant role to play in public life and wanted them to run together before candidate lists were finalized.
Smotrich also took issue with Vinter's recent video, which he felt was a significant attack on the Prime Minister and himself, contradicting Vinter's own advice to focus on strengths rather than stepping on others. Smotrich argued that Vinter's campaign is characterized by mudslinging and slander, questioning if this is the "different politics" Israel desires. He defended his and Netanyahu's government's work over the past three years in areas like war, economy, settlement, and judicial reform, stating that while not perfect, leaders need a positive outlook and gratitude, not a campaign of defamation. Smotrich concluded by urging Vinter to reconsider his path, suggesting it's not too late to correct course.
