Minister Warns Independent Candidate Could Topple Right-Wing Bloc

Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has issued a strong warning that independent candidate Ofer Winter's refusal to join political alliances could cost the right-wing bloc crucial votes in the upcoming elections. Speaking to Channel 7 just a day before the vote, Chikli criticized Winter for rejecting multiple offers to unite with other right-wing parties and figures, including the Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, and Zehut parties. Chikli argued that Winter, despite his respected military service, is acting with "arrogance and great pride," ignoring the lessons of past elections where seemingly promising parties failed to pass the electoral threshold. He specifically cited the examples of Naftali Bennett's New Right and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut in 2019, suggesting Winter is risking a similar fate and potentially jeopardizing the entire right-wing bloc's success.

Chikli also sharply criticized former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, labeling them "political opportunists" driven solely by a desire for power. He accused Bennett of abandoning his previous support for judicial reform, including changes to the judicial selection committee and the 'override clause,' now promising to repeal legislation passed by the current coalition. Chikli suggested this shift is not ideological but purely political, aimed at regaining the premiership. He also questioned Bennett's decision to lead the previous government with a small number of mandates.

The minister further attacked the political camp led by Yair Golan, calling it a "complete Zionist bankruptcy" for allegedly prioritizing partnerships with Arab parties over Zionist ones. Chikli cited controversial statements attributed to candidates within Golan's circle, including one comparing food distribution lines in Gaza to Auschwitz, and others allegedly involved in calls for draft refusal during protests against the judicial overhaul. He warned that a government supported by such figures, or by the Ra'am party which he accused of downplaying Hamas, could lead to the erosion of law enforcement in the Negev and Galilee, potentially turning them into "Arab autonomies," and could even threaten settlements in Judea and Samaria.

Addressing potential post-election scenarios, Chikli dismissed the idea that Prime Minister Netanyahu would prioritize negotiating with Gadi Eisenkot, whom he labeled a leftist who proposed inadequate solutions during the war. While Chikli stated the Likud party is not inherently opposed to broad coalitions, he emphasized a preference for a distinctly national government. He also expressed skepticism about reports of political motivations behind potential Israeli actions in Iran, urging security officials to avoid statements that could be perceived as political interference close to an election, while acknowledging the seriousness of the Iranian threat.

Finally, Chikli reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the judicial reform, calling it a necessary measure to correct perceived discrimination against Jews in areas like medical school admissions and housing. He suggested that public opinion has shifted following the October 7th attacks, with many now viewing the previous extreme reactions to the reform, which he described as "mass psychosis," as disproportionate. He also criticized the handling of the Netanyahu legal cases by the prosecution.