Journalist Tomer Avital Pledges Transparency and Reform in Israeli Parliament
Tomer Avital, an independent journalist and Democratic candidate, outlined his vision for reforming the Israeli Knesset in an interview on the 'Kipot Barzel' program by Srugim. Avital, known for his investigative work against corruption through platforms like 'Shakuf' and 'Mea Shel Shkifut,' explained that he is transitioning from external activism to internal political change, aiming to overhaul the parliamentary system itself rather than merely exposing corrupt members. He emphasized transparency, stating that if the parliamentary process were fully visible, it would prevent illicit dealings such as bribe exchanges.
Avital revealed his goal is not a ministerial position but to become the chairman of the Knesset Committee, a role he believes will enable him to drive systemic change. He criticized parliamentary immunity, arguing it should protect only speech, not corrupt actions, citing former MK Haim Katz as an example. Avital pledged to maintain personal integrity by installing cameras in his office to record all meetings with lobbyists or commercial entities, ensuring full public access to his official conduct. He also supports limiting political tenure to two terms to prevent stagnation.
Addressing concerns from the religious-national public about the Democratic Party, Avital affirmed his commitment to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, expressing personal connection to Jewish values. However, he condemned current religious representatives like Smotrich and Ben Gvir for promoting divisive and discriminatory policies that harm relations with the Jewish diaspora. His solution to religious-state tensions involves decentralizing authority, allowing different communities to govern personal matters locally.
On security and political alliances, Avital defended party leader Yair Golan against criticism and strongly supported cooperation with Mansour Abbas, describing him as a legitimate partner who accepts Israel’s Jewish and democratic character. Conversely, he rejected alliances with far-right figures like Ben Gvir and Smotrich, who delegitimize half of Israel’s citizens. Regarding the West Bank, Avital advocates a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace and rejects claims that no partner exists for negotiations.
In a closing word association exercise, Avital called for Netanyahu to step down, labeled Ben Gvir a convicted criminal, praised Merav Michaeli as an excellent transportation minister, and stressed the importance of transparency as his core motivation. He expressed hope for cooperation with West Bank settlers to reach protective agreements and reaffirmed his dedication to the Israeli people. Despite ideological differences, Avital valued the dialogue as a vital part of combating corruption and urged all political candidates to engage openly with diverse perspectives.
