Otzma Yehudit Co-Founder Backs Smotrich Over Ben-Gvir
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Baruch Marzel, a founder of Otzma Yehudit and former associate of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced he will vote for Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. Marzel praised Smotrich's party for fulfilling promises, implicitly criticizing Ben-Gvir's political approach. Marzel's own candidacy was previously disqualified by the Supreme Court for racism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Baruch Marzel will vote for Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, not Itamar Ben-Gvir's.
- Marzel cited Religious Zionism's fulfillment of promises as a key reason for his support.
- He implicitly criticized Ben-Gvir's political style and focus on public relations.
- Marzel's candidacy for Otzma Yehudit was disqualified in the past for racism.
- Marzel called the upcoming election "fateful" for Jewish identity and the Land of Israel.
Baruch Marzel, a co-founder of the Otzma Yehudit party and formerly close to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced in a video that he will vote for the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich in the upcoming elections. Marzel praised Smotrich while implicitly criticizing Ben-Gvir's political style without naming him. Marzel stated he did not vote in the previous election, finding no party worthy of his support. He described the current election as "fateful" and warned against elements he believes aim to harm Torah, the Land of Israel, and Jewish identity.
Explaining his decision to support Smotrich, Marzel claimed Religious Zionism is the only party that has kept its promises, acting "without much talk, without noise and fanfare." He cited the party's alleged achievements in Judea and Samaria settlement, security, economy, and Judaism. Marzel was previously ranked second on the Otzma Yehudit list for the 22nd Knesset, but his candidacy was disqualified by the Supreme Court for inciting racism. Since Ben-Gvir became Minister of National Security, Marzel has intensified his criticism of him, previously stating that Ben-Gvir is "busy with public relations" and has "a new ideology."
Mentioned
