Israeli Lawmaker Nissim Vaturi Calls Naama Lazimi Worse Than Hamas in Heated Political Exchange

On Thursday, Israeli Knesset Deputy Speaker Nissim Vaturi from the Likud party sparked controversy by claiming that Knesset member Naama Lazimi of the Democratic Camp is "worse than Hamas" and suggested she should run to lead the terrorist organization. Vaturi made these remarks during a radio interview on Kol Barama, criticizing Lazimi's political stance and accusing her of harming Israel from within. He stated, "Whoever harms the State of Israel from inside is even worse than the enemy outside. Our enemies are within us."

In response, Lazimi condemned Vaturi's comments and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of targeting her politically. She said, "The Prime Minister and his people have marked me for attack. This government of shirkers and failure invites the next political assassination. Our blood is on their hands." Lazimi further accused the Likud party of resorting to incitement and violence as they lose public support, calling them a "bankrupt mafia" and alleging they collaborate with Hamas by transferring money and attempting to destabilize Israel's democracy.

Lazimi vowed to continue her fight for Israel and its citizens, stating, "They will not intimidate me, stop us, or prevent change." The exchange highlights the deep political polarization in Israel, with Vaturi previously stirring controversy last November by praising Meir Kahane, founder of the banned Kach movement, as having been right on many issues despite his terrorist convictions.

Vaturi defended his past remarks by saying that Likud leaders erred in ostracizing Kahane and claimed Kahane would be considered a national hero if alive today. This ongoing rhetoric underscores the intense ideological battles within Israeli politics ahead of future elections.