Boaz Golan Criticizes Likud for Inaction on Settlements and Academia Reforms

During a heated discussion on the Open Studio program, host Boaz Golan sharply criticized the Likud party for its perceived failure to advance right-wing policies, particularly regarding settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria and reforms in academia and healthcare. Golan demanded more decisive actions, suggesting that the government should threaten to dismantle itself if construction in the West Bank does not proceed.

Knesset Member Moshe Saada of Likud defended the government’s record, highlighting unprecedented growth in Judea and Samaria, crediting cooperation between Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Trump. Saada also addressed issues of affirmative action in Israeli universities and hospitals, arguing that current policies favor Arab citizens over Jews and proposing legislation to condition university admission on military service.

Saada revealed plans to prevent students from Palestinian universities such as An-Najah and Al-Quds from practicing medicine in Israel, aiming to stop the annual licensing of 124 Arab doctors trained in these institutions. Golan’s criticism extended to the overall leadership style of Likud, urging the party to be less fearful and more proactive in implementing its agenda. He clarified that his critique was not personal toward Saada but targeted the party’s broader approach.

The debate underscored ongoing tensions within the Israeli right regarding settlement policy, minority integration, and the role of affirmative action, with Likud facing pressure to adopt more assertive measures to fulfill its political promises.