Former Likud MK Moshe Feiglin resigned from Knesset, but he is far from retirement. He has been busy building the infrastructure of his new Zehut (Identity) party, which he is confident will be on the list of parties competing for slots in the next Knesset elections.
Feiglin appeared on Israel’s Meet the Press on motzei Shabbos and provides a snapshot of his new vision. Here is a synopsis.
- Our supporters and members represent a cross-section of all of Israel
- Next week is the official launch at the Tel Aviv Port and 1000s are expected to participate.
- My vision in Likud was blocked as I was replaced by Oren Chazon and I can only thank Hashem for the alternative that was created is not sectoral but nationwide. Not just those who wear kippot. We already have 2,000 signed up and by the open primaries we hope to have 5,000.
- In stage one, members will decide on the Knesset list and in stage two, something no one has ever done in Israel, all voters will determine the order of the candidates, not party leaders.
- We view ourselves as a party representing the entire nation as one will see by the lineup, including representation of Diaspora Jews and we define ourselves as the Jewish party.
- Israeli citizens abroad will have primaries too, to select their representatives in the party. If an Israeli can elect Trump or Hillary there, there is no reason they cannot vote for our party.
- Clearly there will be one state and not two. The concept of two states has led to bloodshed only. The land will be in all areas the IDF reached in 1967.
- There are 350,000 families identified as Palestinians in those areas. They are not “Palestinians” since this never existed. They are a people, not a nationality. Most are Arabs. Oslo Agreement compelled them to accept the PLO and other organizations which have embittered their lives.
- They will have three options; to remain here as a permanent resident and enjoy all freedoms but without voting rights or to be elected on the national level but may be on the local level – like a green card; (2) one wishing to emigrate today cannot for the hostile regime (PA) has him killed. Some 65% would like to leave and we will do everything to assist including monetarily; (3) those wishing to become citizens just like the Druse and Circassians. They have all option excluding the option of taking out land for their own. This remains our land.
- I wish to separate religion and state as much as possible. We must maintain Jewish identity while a policy of liberalism. Yes, this means same-gender couples may marry. The state should not have any dealing with marriage and divorce.
- Education – today’s the budget is almost NIS 90 billion a year – 80,000 a class and NIS 2,000 a student and the student does not get it but it is lost in the system. We will give vouchers to students to attend the school they wish. There will be competition and one will receive the voucher for public or private school. The money from the vouchers will go to the teachers who will now have a monetary incentive to be exemplary.
- We have spoken to many Arab residents who are excited over the idea. They hate us for bringing the PLO from Tunisia to rule over them.
- The head of our Eilat branch is even a former Meretz member.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
I once met Moshe Feiglin and was very impressed with his honesty and clear thoughts. My only concern was that he is too honest to be a good politician, but I certainly hope he succeeds.