Unlikely Political Alliance Blocks Gaza Aid Trucks at Kerem Shalom Crossing

An unusual political coalition, including members from Ofer Vinter's 'Am Yisrael' party, activists from the 'Tzav 9' movement, and figures associated with the Religious Zionism and Yisrael Beiteinu parties, converged at the Kerem Shalom crossing on Thursday to block humanitarian aid trucks bound for Gaza. The protesters argue that allowing aid into the Strip enables Hamas to regroup and rearm.

Among the participants were Sigal Kraunik, widow of the late security coordinator of Kibbutz Be'eri Arik Kraunik, and party member Ronen Bodner, both representing 'Am Yisrael'. They joined the blockade, protesting the continued flow of aid while claiming Hamas remains strong. The 'Tzav 9' movement, founded by Reut Ben Haim who recently joined Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism list, was also present.

Member of Knesset Yulia Malinovsky from Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party stated, "Three years after the massacre, the Israeli government continues to feed Hamas and bring aid trucks to the terrorist organization. In the upcoming elections, it's either decisive action or stagnation. Either right-wing or Palestine."

Sigal Kraunik condemned the aid shipments as a "national disgrace," asserting that "three years after October 7th, Hamas is still standing, rearming, and posing a threat." She advocated for promoting the emigration of Gazans instead of sending aid, calling it a duty to the fallen and future generations for security. Kraunik suggested that only Ofer Vinter, as Minister of Defense, could truly advance this policy.