Israeli Finance Minister Offers Cabinet Post to Rival to Prevent Vote Splitting

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made a dramatic offer to Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, just one week before the elections. Smotrich proposed that Vinter withdraw from the Knesset race in exchange for a ministerial position in the Defense Ministry, allocated from the Religious Zionism party's quota. This role would include full authority to establish a voluntary immigration administration for Gaza and a separate administration for recruiting and integrating the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) population.

Smotrich appealed to Vinter, calling him a "good man, a value-driven leader, and a brave commander with many merits," who represents an important voice in Israeli public life. He warned that Vinter's continued candidacy could lead to a national disaster, drawing a parallel to the 1992 elections where, he claimed, the fragmentation of the right-wing camp led to the Oslo Accords. Smotrich emphasized that votes lost under the electoral threshold would significantly impact the election's outcome, stating the national camp cannot afford to repeat past mistakes and risk a left-wing government.

Citing polls that indicate "Am Israel" will not pass the electoral threshold, Smotrich acknowledged Vinter might have his own polls but dismissed them, referencing past instances where optimistic polls for parties like Bennett's and the Tehiya party in 1992 did not translate into electoral success. He asserted Vinter's party has "no chance in the world" of passing the threshold.

Smotrich detailed his proposal, pledging to use his party's political power post-election to secure the Defense Ministry portfolio for Vinter. This position would grant him responsibility for two critical national tasks: establishing a voluntary immigration administration for Gaza, which Smotrich described as crucial for winning the war, and creating an administration for the recruitment and integration of Haredim into society and the military. Smotrich cited the success of the Settlement Administration in the Defense Ministry as a precedent for effectively managing such national projects.

Concluding his appeal, Smotrich urged Vinter to demonstrate national responsibility, prevent a repeat of the "1992 debacle," and lead through official government action rather than a protest vote. He expressed a desire for true partnership to achieve a significant victory for the national camp.