Minister Strock Willing to Yield Post for Winter's Entry
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Minister Orit Strock is prepared to give up her ministerial position to facilitate Ofer Winter joining the Religious Zionism party, should he accept Bezalel Smotrich's offer. Strock cited a grave danger of a left-wing government and the need for right-wing unity as reasons for her willingness to sacrifice. Winter has so far rejected the offer to withdraw from his independent Knesset bid in exchange for a ministerial post. Strock believes national responsibility should override personal considerations, hoping Winter will accept the offer.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Orit Strock will yield her ministerial post for Ofer Winter if he accepts Bezalel Smotrich's offer.
- Strock cited a grave danger of a left-wing government as the reason for her sacrifice.
- Ofer Winter has so far rejected the offer to withdraw from his independent Knesset bid.
- Strock emphasized that the good of the country must come before personal political aspirations.
- The offer to Winter is to gain a ministerial position from the Religious Zionism party's quota.
Minister Orit Strock has expressed her readiness to relinquish her position as the second minister on the Religious Zionism party list in favor of Ofer Winter, should he accept an offer from party chairman Bezalel Smotrich. Strock acknowledged in an interview with Channel 7 that the sacrifice is difficult but emphasized that "the good of the country comes before all else." The offer to Winter is to withdraw from his independent run for the Knesset in exchange for a ministerial role in the next government, taken from the Religious Zionism party's allocation. This move could directly impact Strock, as the intended position for Winter might come at the expense of her expected second ministerial post.
Strock explained her willingness to make a personal political sacrifice to secure Winter's withdrawal by highlighting the "very great danger" in the upcoming elections. She warned of a potential left-wing government supported by the Islamic Movement and possibly the United Arab List if the right bloc does not win. "We must not throw votes away and vote for someone who might not pass the electoral threshold," she stated, urging voters to support parties with a clear path to Knesset.
She further elaborated on the perceived threats, citing the potential for a left-wing government to appoint judges who would shape the Supreme Court (Bagatz) in a manner detrimental to national identity, security, and settlement policies. Strock also dismissed the notion that Winter might feel insulted by Smotrich's offer, arguing that it presents a significant opportunity for someone with no prior political experience to hold senior positions in areas he wishes to influence, such as immigration from Gaza and the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox.
Strock affirmed her long-standing agreement with Smotrich, stating that he has her permission to move her aside whenever necessary for the good of the country. She likened the need for sacrifice to that of Rachel in Jewish tradition, who gave up her place for her sister. Strock expressed hope that national responsibility and reason would prevail, anticipating that Smotrich would continue efforts to persuade Winter until the last moment.
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