Former Likud party MK Moshe Feiglin, who heads the Zehut (Identity) party, expects a minimum of 15 seats in the next Knesset. This is based on a recent poll which shows his party earning 12-15 seats. Feiglin believes the reality will be more than predicted.

Close to two years after leaving Knesset and 18 months after announcing the formation of his new Zehut party, Feiglin speaks with the dati leumi Kippa website explaining he hopes to lead the nation one day, admitting he now realizes the process will take more than one election.

He insists he is not at all deterred by low registration for the new party, explaining “people want to vote not register [for a new party]. He insists his party is not about right-wing or left-wing, but about education and social issues – not at all a sectoral party as explained in the 150-page written platform.

Feiglin has just completed an intensive two-week fundraising, Feiglin happily reports they have raised $460,000 via the tireless efforts of his people in the field. He explains this represents over 1,300 people donating NIS 200-300, citing support for him and his party is more significant than some believe to be the case.

Providing a bit of a breakdown of supporters, Feiglin reports 26% of people supporting the party are secular, of whom 45% describe themselves as ‘traditional’ and the remainder of supporters from the religious and chareidi camps. He adds a third of those backing Zehut explain last time around, they voted centrist-left, backing Feiglin’s claim that he is not a right-wing entity or sectoral. 10% of backers voted Machane Tzioni and 10% voted for Kulanu, the party headed by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

“We are addressing issues including economic, health, vehicular accidents and have a true alternative plan to the left-wing. This he feels is far more interesting and significant than the number of seats in the poll.

Kippa:

Do you really believe you will receive 15 mandates?

Feiglin:

Yes, as the survey shows potential however, it does not guarantee anything and we are no boasting these numbers. However, we used a most serious institute [for the poll] and the results are bases on playing by the rules [for such a poll]. The poll reveals two things; and in absolute terms, it points to the nature of the people who voted ‘Zehut’, providing an idea who is voting ‘Zehut’. We know exactly who our audience is. The second thing we got from the poll is the potential number of seats. The answer is not a guarantee. I do not know what we will get on Election Day, but I hope more.

Kippa:

Some claim you won’t event pass the minimum threshold to enter Knesset.

Feiglin:

The survey is scientific and they say is they say without a basis for the comment other than one’s belief. I am not beholden to here or there. Those who feel we will not pass the threshold is welcome to join Zehut and persuade the voting public at large for us. The challenge is to attain 15 seats in the next election. This is what concerns me, not passing the minimum threshold.

I am not concerned with passing the minimum threshold of four seats but this is not why we are running and this does not justify the process. We are in it to run the country, to take leadership. We understand it will take more than one election to accomplish this. The issue of minimum threshold is not an issue for us. Our goal is not just to enter Knesset but to take the leadership and run the nation.

Kippa:

How many registered to the party during the primaries?

Feiglin:

About 1,500 people. Our belief was people would come from Likud because people want to register but we erred. We launched the party as 100 people, without a chance in the world and a week later we were 550 people, each paying us NIS 55 to join. They came from all over Israel and all walks of civilian life. however, when it came to registration we saw this was less important to many. People are interested in voting, not registering. When we asked people to donate again we were surprised the other way for there was a large awakening. The perception of people in Israel regarding registering and voting are different than we first believed.

Kippa:

In short, what is your political plan?

Feiglin:

The big picture includes Israeli sovereignty on all areas and solving the problem of all the residents of those areas, with the implementation of sovereignty while respecting the rights of all living there. Residents will be given the option of permanent status. There will be emigration, and we wish to encourage this or in a unique case, as for those wishing to serve in the IDF and remain loyal to the State of Israel as the Jewish nation, then one may receive citizenship. These are the three options.

Kippa:

What is your solution to the critical housing shortage?

Feiglin:

First of all, the institute known as the Israel Lands Administration is to be eliminated. The lands must be given to the public at large. This is the main reason for apartments costing so much. The second is regulation, the absolute mad regulations that follows the entire planning and building processes. We have a method of building a home in Israel without almost ever seeing a government clerk. The third point is of course lifting the construction freeze and permitting construction throughout Yehuda and Shomron. The very announcement of free building will result in a drop in housing prices.

Kippa:

Kahlon promised to lower housing costs too!

Feiglin:

Kahlon has not even begun addressing the lands administration. He has increase state involvement while not reducing regulation.

Kippa:

Bennett is also trying to become a party for everyone instead of sectoral. Any thoughts of teaming up with him?

Feiglin:

I have no such thought. There are quality MKs in Bayit Yehudi and I am in touch with them and some are good friends as is the case with Likud and other parties.

Kippa:

Are you opposed to sectoral parties?

Feiglin:

I am not speaking about being anti-sectoral. I came from within the dati leumi community. I certainly know how to appreciate its strengths and unique qualities. Zehut is not a sectoral party, that’s all. This does not mean that I have anything against sectoral. I even have sympathy for the place I came from.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)