In an interview with the dati leumi Srugim website, MK Moshe Feiglin stated that he believes he can beat out Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in a race for the party’s leadership position. He also believes that a scenario in which Bayit Yehudi leader Minister Naftali Bennett would become prime minister is not a realistic one. Feiglin explains the dati leumi party has yet to emerge from its role as a sectoral party.

Srugim:

The Knesset winter session opened with the Giyur Bill, the growing struggle and violence on Har Habayis and the Yisrael Hayom Bill. This only serves to highlight the gap that exists between coalition members. Do you think this coalition is going to last?

Feiglin:

I do not know. One the one hand there are major gaps but on the other hand, most of the parties are of the opinion they do not want to go to early elections. On the face of things it does not appear that this government will last and it is winding down but if its end will coincide with the end of the winter session, I simply do not know.

Srugim:

Will the fact that Yesh Atid is the largest party in the coalition impair Likud activities?

Feiglin:

Without a question this reality makes it more difficult but together with this, it appears in the next Knesset Yesh Atid will be down, at least according to the polls. Therefore, at present this is a technical matter that for now it is the largest party.

Srugim:

The departure of Interior Minister Gideon Saar places you opposite Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the next Likud primaries.

Feiglin:

Yes, and the moment there is a decision regarding primaries and we see the list of others running. I have announced that whatever the case I plan to be a contender. There is no other alternative at the end other than leadership with faith and a completely new strategy to allow an exit from the existing deadlock.

Srugim:

Can Moshe Feiglin defeat PM Netanyahu in the Likud leadership race?

Feiglin:

Yes.

Srugim:

If you do not succeed do you plan to run again?

Feiglin:

Of course. I am not saying I am absolutely desperate. I am moving forward with each race and ultimately, like the Wright brothers plane that failed 100 times but eventually, got off the ground and flew, changing all the crashes into part of the success.

Srugim:

In a certain scenario, which may be realistic, would Likud recommend Naftali Bennett for prime minister?

Feiglin:

I do not think this is a realistic scenario. I still do not see the Bayit Yehudi party emerging from its sectoral role and be capable of running the nation. A sectoral party cannot be the leader and is not intended to lead so I do not see this as a realistic scenario.

Srugim:

Bayit Yehudi is in the process of becoming a national party and in essence, this is what the new constitution is all about.

Feiglin:

Correct but the DNA of the party is that it is sectoral. I must add that to the merit of Naftali Bennett, who leads this very important process development of the kippa sruga to the general population. However the change that is required is its general DNA and this I still do not see. In Likud there are many flaws but the premise allows national leadership which I still do not see in Bayit Yehudi.

Srugim:

Regarding the Yisrael Hayom newspaper, is it electioneering or does it have a legitimate right to exist?

Feiglin:

I believe that even if it is electioneering, the idea that a parliament can close a newspaper, even a newspaper with a political agenda is a disgrace.

Srugim:

So you will oppose the bill to close the newspaper?

Feiglin:

Certainly I will vote against it despite the fact the newspaper generally attacks me since it views me a threat to Netanyahu. I feel however that the idea of a parliament closing a newspaper is a dangerous one. I have difficulty understanding how people who speak in the name of democracy and freedom of speech or basic human rights plan to support this law. I am calling on members of Bayit Yehudi to elevate themselves above political consideration and oppose the law with all its might.

Srugim:

Apropos to democracy, aren’t you concerned there is no viable alternative to Netanyahu and that he has become a sort of one-man ruler?

Feiglin:

I agree that this is not a good reality and it is debatable just how far in the future it is – and he is speaking with you right now.

Srugim:

Is there a specific issue you plan to advance in this Knesset session?

Feiglin:

Yes. I have already filed a bill that changes how the IRS credits for families are divided. It is a true law, not populist but a law that suits the middle class and I plan to advance it.

Srugim:

Do you have an explanation as to why Likud is not viewed as a social party despite the fact many of its MKs are working in that sphere.

Feiglin:

By the nature of things the political topic surpasses other issues, not because we are engaged in social issues but because it is far more noticeable. I do a great deal on the issue of human rights, liberty and certainly Jewish identity and my stubbornness on the matter of Har Habayis overshadows all else and it appears this is unavoidable.

Srugim:

You mentioned Har Habayis. Why can’t the State of Israel reach some kind of an agreement on Har Habayis, a status quo of sorts as the one that exists in the Ma’aras HaMachpelah for example?

Feiglin:

Because there is no strategy. We don’t know what it is we want. The Arab side knows exactly what it wants and is advancing while the Israeli side – the Jewish side finds itself constantly trying to protect and contain the Muslim offensive.

It does how many soldiers or police persons are brought to Jerusalem or what technological means are deployed. If you only defend at the end you will find yourself withdrawing while the other sides conquers more and more outposts and restricts you from the Mount and Yerushalayim.

What is required is a long term strategy and purpose. This is impossible to achieve without the faith and vision that I being to the Israeli tzibur. Therefore, I believe that when I lead the nation G-d willing, there will not be a need for those police persons and soldier that are now being brought to the capital.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)