New candidate for Ardan and Edelstein's party avoids commitment to state commission of inquiry

Oren Smadja, the new candidate for the Unity Party of Gilad Ardan and Yuli Edelstein, does not commit to establishing a state commission of inquiry to examine the events of October 7, proposing an alternative that does not necessarily align with the party's stance.

"As a person who has experienced bereavement, I believe more than ever that everything must be investigated, in-depth and independently, without fearing anyone and regardless of position or status. Only in this way can we learn, correct, and ensure that things do not repeat themselves. A real and independent commission of inquiry must be established to investigate all those responsible and involved in the failure that led to the terrible massacre, including the political echelon, the security system, and the judicial system," he wrote on Sunday on the X network. "Therefore, the commission cannot be appointed by the judicial system, so as not to lose the trust of half the people, and not by the coalition, so as not to lose the trust of the other half of the people. This is another central reason why we will only join a broad Zionist government."

When asked what he intends to focus on if elected, he replied somewhat vaguely: "Mainly to connect, to heal the rift, and to rebuild trust between parts of the people."

Smadja said last week, after joining the party:

"I received many offers from the political system, but I chose to join Gilad Ardan, because I believe in him and in the path he leads: a true and responsible right-wing, which believes that everyone must serve the country and that this value is the basis for unity among us."

"I believe that Gilad is the right person to lead the unity we need. Gilad brings with him many years of experience as a Knesset member, as an outstanding minister in Israeli governments, and as ambassador to the USA and the UN, who represented Israel faithfully and fought for our good name in the world."

Smadja, an Olympic bronze medalist from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, was chosen last year to light a torch on Mount Herzl, and chose to dedicate it to his son Omer, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip. Smadja grew up in Ofakim and, in his role as coach of the national team, he trained many generations of athletes in Israel.