Otzma Yehudit Activist Criticizes Netanyahu, Predicts Party Gains

Arieh King, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and a prominent right-wing activist, expressed optimism regarding Otzma Yehudit's performance in the recent elections, despite initial exit poll results. Speaking from the party's election headquarters to Arutz 7, King suggested that the party would gain one or two additional Knesset seats as the vote count progresses. He also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of attempting to siphon votes from right-wing parties to bolster his own political strength.

King argued that in the final week of the election campaign, Likud and Religious Zionism worked to draw votes away from Otzma Yehudit. He believes this behavior warrants a discussion within the right-wing bloc about whether Netanyahu prioritizes the success of the entire bloc or his own party's advancement. Despite some disappointment at the headquarters over the exit poll numbers, King noted that securing seven or eight mandates would have been considered a significant achievement for the party six to eight months prior.

He praised the grassroots activists of Otzma Yehudit for maintaining broad support amidst political pressures. King specifically lauded Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir, highlighting the party's development as proof of Ben-Gvir's ability to build an independent political force. King pointed to Ben-Gvir's success in transforming the party from one that previously ran in joint lists to a movement with active members, local representatives, and an organizational infrastructure across the country.

King anticipates that Otzma Yehudit's seat count will increase with the final results, but acknowledged that the party's next challenge will be demonstrating its effectiveness, potentially from the opposition benches.