Sharren Haskel Stands by Controversial Testimony Amid Political Rift with Gideon Sa'ar

Sharren Haskel, former Deputy Foreign Minister and ex-member of the New Hope party, reaffirmed her commitment to a contentious affidavit she submitted to Israel's Supreme Court regarding the parliamentary vote for the State Comptroller. The affidavit alleges coalition members were asked to record their votes behind a curtain to ensure alignment with Prime Minister Netanyahu's preferred candidate, Michael Regev. Haskel explained the affidavit was part of her bureaucratic effort to separate from New Hope, accusing her faction of treating her with cruelty after her departure.

Haskel declined to discuss details of her police testimony due to legal restrictions but expressed confidence that the truth would emerge soon. She criticized media coverage, particularly targeting journalist Michael Shemesh for misrepresenting her statements. Despite internal party denials, Haskel insists she was instructed by faction chair Michel Buskila to document the vote secretly.

She resigned from the government shortly before the Knesset's dissolution, protesting the passage of a law exempting ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, which she called a betrayal of those who served. Haskel described ongoing internal coalition disputes over this issue and highlighted a small group of coalition members opposing the exemption.

Reflecting on her political journey, Haskel criticized former allies Gideon Sa'ar and Ze'ev Elkin for their harsh treatment of her after she left New Hope and refused to rejoin Likud. She expressed disappointment over the breakdown of personal and political relationships, describing the atmosphere as hostile.

Looking ahead, Haskel is building a new right-wing political platform called "Israel First," aiming to unite right-wing voters who feel politically homeless. She is in talks with figures like Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein but remains open to coalition possibilities under Netanyahu, provided there are clear red lines. Haskel emphasized her goal to prevent narrow coalitions reliant on ultra-Orthodox parties, advocating for a broad Zionist government.

She concluded by affirming her determination to succeed electorally with Israel First, stating she will not risk votes but is confident the party will pass the electoral threshold and provide a vital alternative for right-wing Israelis.