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Bennett responds to Smotrich comments that coalition with Arab party 'worse than Oct. 7'

From Jerusalem Post · (6m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that forming a coalition with an Arab party was "obviously" worse than the October 7 massacre.
  • Smotrich's comments, made in a radio interview, drew swift condemnation from political rivals and sparked outrage across the spectrum.
  • The controversy highlights the deep political divisions in Israel as the country approaches its next election, with figures like Naftali Bennett and Mansour Abbas reacting strongly.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ignited a firestorm with his recent assertion that forming a coalition government with an Arab party was worse than the October 7 massacre. In a blunt response during a 103FM radio interview, Smotrich declared that the political decision to include Mansour Abbas’s Ra'am party in a previous coalition was "obviously" worse than the Hamas attack that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives. These comments, coming from a key figure in the current political landscape, have sent shockwaves through Israeli society and its political establishment.

obviously.

— Bezalel SmotrichResponding to a question about whether forming a coalition government with an Arab party was worse than the October 7 massacre.

The backlash has been immediate and fierce. Political rivals have accused Smotrich of exploiting the tragedy of October 7 for political gain. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, harshly criticized Smotrich, stating, "From Smotrich's perspective, the people of Israel should be slaughtered rather than have a government without him." This sentiment underscores the deep animosity and polarization that Smotrich's remarks have exacerbated.

From Smotrich's perspective, the people of Israel should be slaughtered rather than have a government without him.

— Yair GolanCondemning Smotrich's remarks and accusing him of political opportunism.

Naftali Bennett, a prominent political figure, distanced himself from Smotrich's controversial statement via a video on X. Meanwhile, Mansour Abbas, the leader of Ra'am, expressed his dismay, accusing Smotrich of devaluing human life. The controversy has undeniably intensified the political temperature in Israel as it heads toward its next election, bringing the complex and often contentious relationship between national identity, security concerns, and political alliances to the forefront. Smotrich's words are poised to become a significant point of contention throughout the election campaign, further deepening the already polarized political landscape.

from Smotrich's perspective, human life appeared to hold no real value

— Mansour AbbasExpressing dismay and accusing Smotrich of devaluing human life.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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