Settlement Minister Struck Defends Mixed Heritage and Criticizes Former IDF Commander’s Comments on Terror Attack

Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Struck addressed criticism from her party, Religious Zionism, regarding its alleged Ashkenazi male dominance, highlighting her marriage to a man of Algerian descent as evidence of her mixed heritage. Speaking on 103fm, she emphasized that she embodies both Ashkenazi and Mizrahi identities, stating, "I was fortunate to marry an Algerian man, I am both and both."

Struck also commented on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing visit to Washington, describing it as crucial for presenting Israel’s stance on multiple conflict fronts. She said, "Iran is central, and the other arenas: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the US does not see them as hostile zones, but we do."

In a sharp rebuke, Struck condemned remarks made by former Central Command chief, retired Major General Avi Mizrahi, who claimed that the recent incident in the village of Tel was not a terror attack. She accused Mizrahi of justifying the murder of Jews, calling his statements "a disgrace and shame," especially coming from someone with his military background. Struck stressed that the regular hikes in the area have never resulted in such violence before, labeling Mizrahi’s comments as defamatory toward the victims who are no longer alive.

Regarding party representation, Struck argued that the focus should be on the capabilities and achievements of party members rather than their ethnic background. She said, "When choosing who will do an important job, you don’t check their ethnicity or where they live, but their ability to perform well."

Struck’s remarks come amid ongoing debates within Religious Zionism about diversity and representation, as well as heightened tensions following recent attacks in the West Bank.