Reality Star Sfori Defends Remarks on Arab Vote Amid Backlash

Reality TV contestant Moody Sfori has responded to severe criticism after posting a social media story that appeared to credit right-wing politicians for the significant gains of Arab parties in the Knesset elections. Sfori stated that his intention was to promote unity and coexistence, but his remarks were twisted, leading to him being labeled a "terrorist" and "terror supporter."

In an interview, Sfori explained that he grew up in a mixed neighborhood in Jaffa and has Jewish siblings, emphasizing his belief that Arabs and Jews are meant to live together. He differentiated between supporting Arab participation in the Knesset and condoning extremist statements or Arab and Jewish terrorism, arguing that focusing on extreme statements from any Knesset member would render government formation impossible.

Sfori also criticized the notion of political leaders dedicating election victories to prisoners or Hamas, calling it unnecessary and a distraction from pressing issues within the Arab community, such as crime rates and integration. He suggested that fear is used as a tool for control, contrasting it with religious control, and accused Prime Minister Bibi of using fear to influence voters.

Former Knesset Member Zoher Bahalul praised Sfori, describing him as representing an intelligent, young Arab who desires to live loyally in Israel and be an integral part of decision-making. Bahalul expressed pain over feeling ostracized and treated as a second-class citizen, asserting that Arabs are loyal citizens who contribute to the country. He argued that the perception of Arabs as fraudulent voters only arises when they achieve significant electoral success, like 19 mandates.

Bahalul lamented the failure of shared life in Israel, stating that despite efforts to extend hands, the country has moved backward. He warned that pushing the Arab public to the margins could lead to explosive consequences, drawing a parallel to the Dreyfus affair.