Zehut Party Leader Moshe Feiglin Eyes Defense Minister Role

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, described the results of the 26th Knesset elections as a deep political crisis stemming from a weak Jewish identity in Israel. Speaking to Channel 7 after the exit polls were released on Tuesday, Feiglin presented his party as the solution to this crisis.

Feiglin expressed satisfaction with the exit poll results but voiced concern over the political reality in Israel. He believes the election outcomes reflect a deeper problem of national identity, arguing that attempts to establish a shared Israeli identity in place of a Jewish one have failed, particularly as the Arab public maintains its distinct national identity. Feiglin asserted that Arab parties have exploited the perceived weakness of the state's Jewish identity to increase their influence in politics and decision-making, warning of hostile takeover implications for Israel's future.

He positioned Zehut as the sole new party entering the Knesset according to the polls, contrasting it with the Democratic Party formed from a merger of Labor and Meretz. Feiglin stated his party aims to center its political agenda on a distinct Jewish vision, with Jewish identity as the foundation of the state and democracy as its system of governance. He contended that strengthening Jewish identity is crucial for Israel to confront its political and national challenges, especially the growing power of Arab parties.

When asked about forming a right-wing government, Feiglin avoided speculation, emphasizing that it's too early for coalition calculations before final results are in. He stressed that the election's core question is not just about the next prime minister but also about Israel's national character and its desired identity.

Feiglin revealed his ambition to serve as the next Defense Minister if the right-wing bloc secures a majority. He explained that Zehut's return to politics is driven by a desire for fundamental change in security policy, particularly regarding the Gaza Strip. He criticized the ongoing entry of aid trucks into Gaza and what he perceives as Hamas's continued consolidation, stating his aspiration to lead the Defense Ministry to alter the approach to the organization. Feiglin concluded that participation in the next government would only be meaningful if it allows his party to advance the ideological and security changes for which it re-entered politics.