Netanyahu Holds Responsibility for October 7 Failures, Says New Party Member

Netali Sham Tov, a member of the newly formed "Am Israel" party founded by Ofer Winter, stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bears responsibility for the failures leading to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Despite this assertion, Sham Tov indicated that the party would recommend Netanyahu for Prime Minister, while also calling on other right-wing parties to abandon "political blackmail" and aspirations for the premiership to form a broad right-wing government.

Sham Tov clarified that while Winter believes Netanyahu is responsible, the party's decision to recommend him stems from a choice between Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, with Netanyahu being the preferred option. She emphasized that "everyone who was involved will be investigated and will answer for it." The party aims to join the government and push for significant policy changes, including the integration of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, a decisive approach to conflict, immigration reform, and judicial changes.

Regarding potential political alliances, Sham Tov revealed that members of her party, including herself, had received offers to join the Likud party, with the possibility of prominent positions. However, they chose to establish a new, independent platform to advocate for their agenda. She also expressed frustration that nearly three years after the attacks, no state commission of inquiry has been formed, criticizing both the coalition and the opposition.

The party opposes the current model of state commissions of inquiry, where the Supreme Court president appoints members, arguing it lacks public trust and the authority to investigate all state bodies and decision-makers. Sham Tov stated that "Am Israel" will present its alternative proposal for an inquiry commission in the coming days. She urged right-wing parties to join a broad coalition, set aside personal ambitions, and work towards the nation's needs.