Lawmaker Prefers Opposition Leader Over National Security Minister

Member of Knesset Yulia Malinovsky, affiliated with the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated that in a dangerous situation, she would prefer Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, by her side over National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Malinovsky made these remarks at a gathering in Har Adar, where she also criticized the government's handling of the war, the hostage crisis, and the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription.

"I don't agree with Yair Golan on everything, but he's a good man," Malinovsky said. "If something happens here, God forbid, I want Yair Golan next to me, not Ben-Gvir. Yair Golan would know how to protect me, and Ben-Gvir would run away. He'd cause trouble and shouting and run away. Absolutely."

Malinovsky also attacked the government, calling it "catastrophic" and criticizing politicians who have "sold their souls to the devil." She accused Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of preventing opportunities to release hostages alive, claiming their desire to remain in power led to this failure. Regarding ultra-Orthodox conscription, she stated that Israel needs 15,000 soldiers and that the country was saved on October 7th by soldiers with M16s, not by Torah study, though she sees no contradiction between military service and Torah learning.

She further criticized the subsidy system for the ultra-Orthodox community, estimating it at NIS 36 billion annually, and argued that large ultra-Orthodox families receive more aid than reservist families. Malinovsky expressed her belief in the power of financial incentives to drive behavioral change. She also voiced support for judicial reform but opposed the government's aggressive and self-serving approach, suggesting they promote laws knowing they will be canceled to attack the Supreme Court later. On Gaza, she proposed Israel should cease being responsible for its humanitarian issues by closing crossings, electricity, and water, stating it is not Israel's responsibility.

Malinovsky also commented on inter-party relations, suggesting potential cooperation with figures from Ofer Winter's and Yoaz Hendel's parties. She expressed confidence that despite potential disagreements, Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman and National Unity Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot would ultimately align due to shared responsibility. While describing Eisenkot as "good" and "kind-hearted," she noted her concern about his "lack of experience."