סטרוק מוכנה לוותר על תפקידה למען וינטר: "טובת המדינה קודמת לכל"

Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock has expressed her willingness to relinquish her position as the second minister in the Religious Zionism party's list to accommodate Ofer Winter, should he accept an offer from Bezalel Smotrich. Strock stated in an interview with Channel 7 that while the sacrifice is not easy, "the good of the country comes before all else." The offer from Smotrich to Winter is for Winter to withdraw from his independent Knesset run in exchange for a ministerial position in the next government, taken from the Religious Zionism party's quota. Strock, who is slated to be the party's second minister, could be directly impacted if Winter accepts. Winter has so far rejected the proposal.

Strock explained her readiness to make this personal political sacrifice by highlighting the significant danger she perceives in the upcoming elections. She warned of a potential left-wing government supported by the Islamic Movement and possibly the United Islamic Party if the right-wing bloc does not win. "We are in very great danger in these elections," she stated, emphasizing the need to avoid wasting votes on parties that might not pass the electoral threshold. She noted that Smotrich made "very generous offers" to unite votes, with Feiglin being the only one to accept them.

Regarding her own future, Strock indicated she would accept a lower-ranking ministerial role if necessary, stating, "I know how to do the jobs given to me. I have many aspirations, plans, and abilities that I would like to realize for the benefit of the State of Israel, but the good of the country comes before all else." She affirmed that she and Smotrich have a long-standing agreement that he can move her aside if it serves the country's interests, a stance she has maintained even when faced with similar situations previously.

Addressing concerns about a potential unity government, Strock dismissed the idea as unlikely, citing plans by leaders like Bennett to dismantle laws passed for judicial reform and the stated intentions of left-wing leaders. She reiterated the danger to Israel's identity as the nation-state of the Jewish people, a goal she attributes to Arab parties. She urged voters not to support parties that will not pass the electoral threshold.

Strock further elaborated on the perceived legal threat, mentioning the potential for a future left-wing government to appoint five Supreme Court justices immediately upon formation, with more to follow. She expressed concern that these appointments could be influenced by figures like Yitzhak Amit, leading to rulings from the Supreme Court that she believes are detrimental to Israel's security, settlement efforts, and identity.

When asked about the possibility of Winter feeling insulted by the offer, given his stated motivations beyond personal gain, Strock found no grounds for such a feeling. She pointed out Winter's lack of prior political experience and his slim chances of passing the electoral threshold, contrasting this with the offer of a senior ministerial role in areas he wishes to focus on, such as immigration from Gaza and the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox. Strock expressed hope that "national responsibility and reason will prevail" and anticipates Smotrich will continue efforts to persuade Winter until the last moment.