Netanyahu: Israel cannot be ruled by Jewish law

Benjamin Netanyahu discussed coalition negotiations with far-right parties in Israel, concerns about the far-right and the government program on the Common Sense podcast moderated by American writer Bari Weiss.

Responding to a question about how he would respond to the demands of his far-right allies Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who are considered controversial in Israel with their fanatical and discriminatory actions and views in coalition negotiations, Netanyahu said: “The Likud Party and frankly determined the main or dominant policy of the government. I think I have more than a modest influence on this. Israel will not be governed by Talmudic (Judaic) laws… We will remain a land of law.” he said.

In his assessment of the relationship between far-right figures, with whom he is negotiating with the coalition, and past Jewish supremacist terror incidents, Netanyahu said: “No one can escape terrorism. If you are a Jew and you commit a terrorist act, you will be punished in the same way. Nobody cares, the act must be judged not according to the perpetrator of the crime”. he used his statements.

“RED LINE DEFENSE MINISTRY”

Commenting on the Defense Ministry’s request for his far-right ally Smotrich in the coalition negotiations, Netanyahu said: “This is a red line. The defense will stay with us (Likud). Defense is not just a title as you might think. This doesn’t just mean blocking incoming missiles. That means deciding on policies that can be very provocative. I try to avoid that.” he performed the assessment of it.

Netanyahu listed the main goals of the government he is preparing to form as countering the Iranian threat by “trying to destroy themselves,” normalizing with Saudi Arabia, which he cited as “will end the Arab-Israeli conflict, if not the Palestinian conflict.” -Israeli”. , and “make Israel an innovative nation.”

Netanyahu, whose corruption cases continue, regarding the reform of the judiciary, said: “There must be a balance between the three heads of the administration. This balance is disturbed in many ways by Israel’s unchecked judiciary. Fixing this isn’t destroying democracy, it’s preserving it.” He used the phrase.

“TRUMP I THINK HE MADE A MISTAKE”

Asked to have dinner with former US President Donald Trump’s anti-Semitic rhetoric rapper Kanye West and white supremacist commentator Nick Fuentes, who is also known for his Holocaust denial, Netanyahu responded that this meeting was “Trump’s mistake.” “.

Defending what Trump has done for Israel, Netanyahu said: “Trump was a great supporter of Israel and I especially applaud what he has done for Israel. I think he was wrong, I hope he doesn’t repeat it.” He said.

NETANYAHU WANTS TO RELIEF THE JEWS

The Washington correspondent for the Haaretz newspaper, Ben Samuels, wrote in his article discussing the interview in question, that Netanyahu was trying to alleviate the concerns of the Jewish community in the US about far-right extremists preparing to come to power in Israel. .

Samuels, despite suggestions Netanyahu gave in the interview, sent the Ministry of National Security, whose powers were extended over the security forces, of the “Kahanist movement to Itamar Ben-Gvir”, which the US once considered a terrorist organization, to illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. He also pointed out that he gave the powers to Bezalel Smotrich”.

In the article, it was noted that while Netanyahu was not asked about corruption cases during the interview, he did point to reform in the judiciary.

THE ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL SIGN AN EXTREME RIGHT GOVERNMENT

In the snap general election held on November 1 in Israel, which has been in a spiral of snap elections and coalition crisis in recent years, the right-wing bloc led by former prime minister and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu won a clear victory. by sending 64 deputies to the 120-seat Parliament.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Netanyahu with forming the government on November 13.

Led by Netanyahu, the right-wing bloc consists of the religious parties “Shas” and “United Torah Judaism” and the far-right Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties.

The 73-year-old prime ministerial candidate Netanyahu is negotiating with these parties to form a coalition.

For Netanyahu’s government to receive a vote of confidence, it needs the support of 61 members of Israel’s parliament, which has 120 members. (AA)