Israeli Minister Shikli Urges Right-Wing Unity to Avoid Electoral Defeat

Minister Amichai Shikli addressed the Right Conference of the Tekuma movement, emphasizing the importance of expanding the right-wing political spectrum responsibly. While supporting the formation of new right-wing parties, he warned that uncoordinated runs and losing votes below the electoral threshold could lead to the defeat of the entire national camp. Shikli stressed that the key risk is not the creation of new parties but the lack of strategic cooperation among them, which could fragment votes and weaken the bloc.

In an interview with Channel 7 during the National Vision Conference, Shikli highlighted the achievements of the current government in security and settlement policies, countering critics who claim failures in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. He noted the unprecedented security arrangements in Lebanon, the military weakening of Hamas in Gaza, and significant enforcement against illegal construction in the Negev, including demolishing thousands of unauthorized buildings.

Shikli also reflected on the roots of the October 7 attacks, attributing them to past decisions such as the disengagement from Gaza, which allowed armed terrorist groups to establish themselves. On the contentious issue of the draft law and Torah study, he expressed reservations about legislating religious study but supported balancing military service with religious commitments.

Regarding the political landscape, Shikli acknowledged the value of broadening the right-wing parties but insisted on the necessity of coordination and responsibility to prevent vote splitting. Citing his own experience with the "New Right" party failing to cross the electoral threshold, he warned against repeating such mistakes that could jeopardize the entire right-wing bloc. He called on all right-wing factions, including new players like Winter and Feiglin, to work together strategically.

Concluding, Shikli urged political leaders to act with humility and caution, fearing that internal ego-driven errors could hand victory to the opposition. He stressed that the success or failure of the upcoming elections might hinge on whether small right-wing parties surpass the electoral threshold, making cooperation essential before the campaign officially begins.