Smotrich Attacks Eisenkot and Warns Against Arab Party Backing for Speaker
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich lashed out at opposition figures, criticizing Gadi Eisenkot and urging MK Matan Kahana to reject the Knesset Speaker role if backed by Arab parties.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich launched a sharp attack on former IDF Chief of Staff and party leader Gadi Eisenkot during a press conference following the swearing-in of the Knesset. Smotrich expressed deep pain over what he termed a loss of direction, trust, and integrity in Israeli politics, accusing political rivals of replacing core values with hatred and boycotts.
At the center of his remarks, Smotrich criticized Eisenkot for allegedly seeking political alliances with anti-Zionist and terror-supporting elements to secure power. "It is a moral bankruptcy and a loss of value-driven composure to be appointed Knesset Speaker with the votes of Israel's enemies," Smotrich declared, condemning any cooperation that relies on the backing of Arab parties.
Smotrich specifically addressed MK Matan Kahana, urging him to reject any potential bid for the Knesset Speaker position if it depends on the support of Arab factions. He called on Kahana to avoid repeating past political arrangements that include parties critical of Israel's Zionist foundation. Additionally, Smotrich cautioned Haredi political factions against joining coalitions aimed at unseating the right-wing bloc.
