"Arrogance, detachment and stupidity": Efrat Rayten in a sharp attack on Miri Regev

MK Efrat Rayten (The Democrats) criticized Transportation Minister Miri Regev today (Thursday) following the chaos recorded at Ben Gurion Airport against the backdrop of the workers' protest, and claimed that her conduct reflects "arrogance, detachment and stupidity". In a conversation with Roni Bar-On and Maya Ziv-Wolf on 103fm, Rayten also addressed the criticism of her party chairman Yair Golan following his remarks about the attack in Syria, as well as the confrontation that arose between him and Einav Zangauker regarding the claim that she was promised a reserved spot at the top of the list.

"It's amazing," Rayten began. "Today I traveled to the Western Negev, for a tour and meeting with heads of authorities. It was so extreme. My journey in traffic to the Western Negev, and the Transportation Minister who is now in Morocco and the chaos at Ben Gurion Airport. I couldn't feel anything more extreme than what I felt today. Arrogance, detachment and stupidity. Indifference to the citizens."

Later, Rayten moved to the diplomatic and security arena, after Golan sparked criticism when he claimed that the Israeli attack in Syria stemmed from political considerations. According to her, his statement should be examined against the backdrop of the lack of trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It is not correct to relate to this event in isolation from the lack of trust that I and most of the citizens of the State of Israel have in Netanyahu. He failed miserably," she said.

Rayten claimed that in parallel with Israeli activity in Syria, new alliances are being created in the region that Israel is not a partner to. "Today we are in a situation where alliances are being formed around us that we are not part of. There is the alliance of Ankara, Washington and Damascus. The United States supports the shaping of Syria led by Al-Sharaa and maintains close relations with Turkey, and strongly condemns, like yesterday, the Israeli attacks," she added.

"Allow me to cast doubt on Netanyahu's motives"

According to her, the regional picture should also raise concern in light of the upcoming election campaign. "It's not normal. There is another alliance that we are also not part of: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan. Israel is not part of these alliances, and this is the real strategic situation of the State of Israel. Allow me to cast doubt, especially two months before elections, on Netanyahu's motives. You also hear from the United States that they are talking about the fact that the motives today are political and belong to the elections. And this thing is catastrophic. Yair Golan says things very clearly. He tells the truth."

Rayten was also asked about the Zangauker storm, after she claimed that Golan promised to reserve her a high spot on the Democrats' list, a promise that according to her was not kept.

"I'm sorry. I love Einav very much. I had a very long personal conversation with her 3-4 days after the announcement came out that she would not be reserved. She is a stunning, strong and charming woman. The entire State of Israel owes her and she is a symbol," she said.

According to Rayten, despite the dispute, she wants Zangauker to integrate into the party's activities. "I respect Yair's decision, and the conversation with her was done in the most positive way. I am really working, and so is he, to hold more meetings with her. She is important to us, and I very much hope that a way will be found for her to be part of the party. And with a role before the elections and also after the elections. She can lead crazy changes in the State of Israel from the place where she is."

When asked about the possibility that the Democrats would be part of the next coalition and about a possible role for Zangauker after the elections, Rayten emphasized that as far as she is concerned there is no need to wait. "I want her now. I wouldn't wait for October 28. She can be useful and do wonderful things. And she wants to contribute to the State of Israel. She has a huge heart, she is smart, and she needs to be harnessed."

Towards the end of the conversation, Rayten also attacked the Likud following the results of the primaries and the low representation of women in the top part of the list. According to her, in the first twenty places there are only two women, including Regev.

"Fifty percent of their women in the first twenty places are not in the country at this moment. There are only two women. It's pathetic, sad, and above all shows the true face of the liberal party. Oh come on. What a joke."