Who will be left out of the next Knesset? Silman sends a clear message to Likud members

Who in Likud will not be in the next Knesset? Who is under pressure? Minister Idit Silman (Likud) addressed the approaching Likud primaries this Thursday and summarized her term at the Ministry of Environmental Protection in a conversation with Nissim Mishal and Anat Davidov on 103FM radio. Later, she invited Gadi Eisenkot to join the next government "under our basic guidelines" and provided an update on the "crocodile prison" project.

Silman claimed that her political future is not at all uncertain: "I don't think this is my last term. Likud voters look at what MKs have achieved over four years. I am sure voters appreciate that I brought down the 'government of change'. For the last four years, I have faced terrible persecution by the left, but I don't regret it for a second. I am at peace with myself. I don't trust media that tries to distort facts and is hostile towards me. I brought down the media's 'dream government'."

She added regarding the fall of the previous government: "It is a move I am very proud of. I have been paying a price for four years, but with great pride. I am happy; I wake up and look at myself in the mirror. The Prime Minister and Likud members appreciate it. You are trying to create a confrontation, but I am running in the primaries like all my friends, and I have done an excellent job. I am not worried; I made ideological moves and I am proud of them. I am at peace with myself."

Regarding Dudi Amsalem's words, she stated: "I didn't listen to his remarks, I only heard about the media storm. As for Gadi Eisenkot, I was with him when he decided to enter the government. He suggested living with a nuclear Iran, said it was possible to bring in Gazan workers two years after October 7, compared Yoseph Haddad to Mansour Abbas, and left the cabinet before the pager operation in Lebanon. I remember him saying the war should be stopped. I think he tried to impose a policy of surrender at any cost. If Gadi Eisenkot accepts the basic guidelines of the next government, which we will form under Benjamin Netanyahu, he is invited."

She further noted: "I am telling the public who Gadi Eisenkot is based on his own words. I was with him in the same government, and he forced a policy. I would be happy if the cabinet transcripts were released. He chose to abandon the cabinet because of a different policy he thought was correct. He was not a partner in the great achievements of this government against our enemies. Mr. Eisenkot does not hide behind words; he publicly supported 'Brothers in Arms', and Ronen Manelis is running his campaign." Mishal was not convinced and attacked Silman: "There is a talking points memo and you are going point by point. Anat, it won't help until she finishes the memo."

Regarding the mood in Likud, she said: "We are not going to lose power; the people are on the right. The left is afraid of losing power and is bringing in new rules with Judge Solberg to steal the election. I appreciate Dudi Amsalem; he is a Likud man, and I don't want to say bad things about him or others." Mishal remained in shock: "You said terrible things about Eisenkot. You said distorted things." Silman responded: "This is Eisenkot's ideological position. The public should choose. Ask Amsalem to respond himself; I wish him success in the primaries."

In conclusion, she addressed the "crocodile prison" initiative: "I was approached over six months ago by the Shin Bet and the Ministry of National Security regarding a barrier plan. Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and I are acting responsibly and according to the law, which dictates that those who slaughter and murder will face consequences. We will use all tools at our disposal to deter the next terrorist. Whoever saves one soul, it is as if he saved an entire world."