Iran, Qatar and election politics
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned:
“If Iran attempts to disrupt the course of the elections, we will attack it with an unprecedented force”.
Asked whether Qatar should continue mediating in Israeli affairs, Netanyahu said Israel used Qatar because the United States had used it as a mediator.
He accused Qatar of being the main engine spreading antisemitism and anti-Zionism first in American universities and then on social media, and of helping force a change in U.S. public opinion about Israel.
Responding to accusations that he was pro-Qatar, Netanyahu said: “I bombed Qatar, you know.”
He described Qatar as one engine of Israel’s vilification and said there were three other prominent ones, without identifying them in the supplied remarks.
Rabbi Abergil’s AHI party is expected to withdraw from the election race following intense pressure that included a Zoom meeting with Netanyahu and visits by rabbis.
Gun-license eligibility in Samaria
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved gun-license eligibility for residents of 11 additional Samaria communities, according to Otzma Yehudit: Asif, Ganim, Har Bazak, Homesh, Kadim, Shira, Havat Yair, Maoz Tzvi, Havat Gilad, Sahlav and Eival.
Ben-Gvir said the reform would continue expanding to additional communities and citizens who meet the criteria. He described Shomron residents as protecting Gush Dan, the Sharon communities and the Seam Line, saying:
“My policy is clear: guns in the right hands save lives.”
Shomron Council head Yossi Dagan welcomed the decision and thanked Ben-Gvir, citing residents’ combat and reserve service and their ability to protect their families and communities.
He argued that strengthening security in Shomron strengthens security throughout Israel.
Sponsored by Otzma Yehudit. Ballot letter: ב (Bet). Commissioned by Daniel Lauder: info@otzma.org.
