Likud's Nissim Vaturi Calls MK Naama Lazimi Worse Than Hamas in Heated Radio Exchange

Nissim Vaturi, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset from the Likud party, sharply criticized MK Naama Lazimi of the Democrats during a radio interview on Kol Barama, calling her "worse than Hamas." Vaturi suggested Lazimi should consider leading Hamas in Gaza, accusing her of wishing harm on the Prime Minister and equating her with Israel's enemies. He stated, "Those who harm Israel from within are even worse than external enemies. Our enemies are inside us."

In response, Lazimi accused Vaturi and Prime Minister Netanyahu's camp of inciting violence against her, saying, "Netanyahu and his people have targeted me. The government of evaders and failures is inviting the next political assassination. Their hands are stained with our blood." She detailed a series of threats and attacks against her, including police violence despite her immunity, threats from the Justice Minister, and a fellow MK calling to shoot her in the legs.

This incident follows a similar inflammatory remark last week by MK Yitzhak Pindrus of United Torah Judaism, who said Lazimi should be shot in the legs if she blocks roads during protests. When confronted about whether this applied to his own party leader, Pindrus replied, "We should start with Naama Lazimi."

Additionally, a Lazimi advisor was expelled after Vaturi claimed he was attacked by the advisor. Vaturi also accused protest movements of being linked to Hamas, stating, "Hamas has several arms, one of which is the protests."

These exchanges highlight escalating tensions and political incitement within the Knesset, particularly targeting opposition members like Lazimi amid ongoing national divisions.