Retired General Yossi Bachar Joins Religious Zionism Party, Advocates Gaza Occupation
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Retired Brigadier General Yossi Bachar, running for the Knesset with the Religious Zionism party, stated that the October 7th attack changed his security views, leading him to advocate for conquering Gaza, resettling it, and reducing the Palestinian population. He believes this proactive stance aligns with the Religious Zionism party's ideology. Bachar also addressed criticism of the ultra-Orthodox draft law, calling it manipulative and ineffective through sanctions. He noted that while many in his community agree with his security ideas, they are not yet ready to vote for his party.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Retired General Yossi Bachar joined the Religious Zionism party, advocating for Gaza conquest and settlement.
- Bachar believes the October 7th attack necessitates reducing the Palestinian population in Gaza.
- He criticized the ultra-Orthodox draft law, calling its portrayal as an evasion law manipulative.
- Bachar stated that sanctions will not increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the IDF.
- He noted that while many in his community agree with his security views, they don't support his party.
- Bachar advocates for a proactive, offensive security approach for Israel.
Brigadier General (Res.) Yossi Bachar, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri and a candidate for the Knesset with the Religious Zionism party, has stated that the October 7th Hamas attack fundamentally changed his security outlook. He now believes Israel should conquer the Gaza Strip, re-establish Jewish settlements there, and work to reduce the Palestinian population. Bachar shared these views in an interview with Channel 7, noting that while many in the Gaza border communities share some of these strong opinions, they are not yet ready to politically support the Religious Zionism party.
Bachar spoke from a special phone bank operation aimed at engaging undecided voters ahead of the elections. He emphasized that many people are still open to hearing about the party's platform and values, even though critical questions, particularly regarding the draft law for the ultra-Orthodox and responsibility for the October 7th events, are frequently raised. He described the criticism of the draft law as manipulative, arguing that the current approach, especially through sanctions, will not increase ultra-Orthodox enlistment but rather widen the rift.
Reflecting on October 7th, Bachar downplayed his personal combat experience, focusing instead on the future implications for Gaza. He stated that his understanding has shifted, concluding that Arab neighbors in Gaza pose an unacceptable risk. To ensure the future safety of residents in the Gaza envelope communities, he advocates for occupying the territory, establishing settlements within Gaza, and minimizing the Arab presence there, ideally through complete emigration, to prevent future threats.
Bachar explained that his adoption of these new security stances is the primary reason he chose to run with the Religious Zionism party, whose political and security ideology, particularly concerning territorial achievements and settlement, aligns with his current beliefs. He believes Israel must adopt a proactive, offensive security approach rather than waiting for threats to develop. He observed that while many in his community criticize his move to the Religious Zionism party, they often agree with the specific security ideas he presents, especially regarding the future of Gaza, even if they don't intend to vote for his party.
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