Avi Maoz Rules Out Joining Bennett or Eisenkot Governments, Commits to Right-Wing Bloc
Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party and Knesset member, launched his party's election campaign under the new name "Noam for Israel" on Wednesday, announcing the party will run independently in the upcoming elections. Maoz revealed that additional factions from various sectors are expected to join the party soon. During the press conference, Maoz was asked if he would join a government led by Naftali Bennett or Gadi Eisenkot, even if all his demands on Jewish identity, sovereignty, and judicial reform were met. He categorically rejected this possibility, emphasizing his commitment to the right-wing bloc and stating that the next government must emerge from this camp despite his past public disagreements and split with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Maoz also addressed the potential for right-wing party mergers before the candidate list deadline, currently about five weeks away. While Noam is running independently for now, he expressed confidence that political alliances will form and said he feels "responsible" to strengthen the right-wing bloc and promote unity to secure electoral victory. The event introduced new party members, including Eliyahu Leibman, who lost his son in the Simchat Torah massacre, Beersheba Deputy Mayor Rabbi Shimon Tubul, and Liora Alon, who will head the party's women's division and is expected to be placed on the Knesset list, marking the first time Noam has appointed a woman to a senior campaign role.
Maoz stated that Noam aims to be a new political home for disappointed right-wing voters, arguing that according to analysts and polls, an additional right-wing party is necessary for the bloc to win. He sharply criticized the judicial system and pledged not to join any government that does not advance comprehensive judicial reform, including an override clause and balance of powers. Maoz also announced plans to soon present a broad education reform program. Additionally, he condemned the security establishment, accusing the IDF of being "washed in progressivism" and claiming that current rules of engagement and legal treatment of soldiers undermine the army's ability to defeat enemies.
