MK Ophir Sofer of Religious Zionism, armored in the Likud, also referred to his personal military experience: "The more they talk about post-trauma - Israel will be stronger"
Benjamin Netanyahu has 22 days left to form a government, and religious Zionism continues to place "values," as they say, on the formation of a right-wing government.
Today in "Bardugo on the Morning" we spoke with MK Ophir Sofer from Religious Zionism, armored in the Likud, about the new quarrel between right-wing chairman Naftali Bennett and religious Zionist chairman Bezalel Smutrich, and the difficulties he raises on the way to success on a coalition train.
Bardugo on the morning - MK Ofir Sofer
The headlines this morning talk about "The goal: to break Smutrich" and "Bennett is trying to thwart the formation of a right-wing government," and wonder if this little brawl within the right is the story that prevents the formation of a right-wing government?
"This is not a small thing. It is a matter of values - we are talking at the end about a government supported by the Prime Minister, a government that the Likud, the National Union and the NRP tried to disqualify this list. This is a party whose core agenda is completely different from its civic campaign. In the last election, in the face of the alternative that we understand that Bennett is not currently striving for a right-wing government. "
Your meteoric success in religious Zionism, including your personal success within the Likud armor, came thanks to the support of Prime Minister Netanyahu - is it a matter of good behavior and the rejection of attempts to form a coalition?
"I want to talk about us and our relationship with the prime minister. We are by the prime minister's side and right. We will only run with him, we have no other candidate - and not only do we think so, but the public in the State of Israel thinks so."
That is, if Netanyahu reaches a rotation agreement, as demanded by Memo Naftali Bennett, you will not be in this game?
"I think it's out of the question. Naftali Bennett got 7 seats, the prime minister got 30 seats - the proportions are clear. If the prime minister comes in demanding or something like that - I do not think we will get to that point.
According to Sofer, "one can be amused that if you come with 7 seats, you can lead the left camp. But in the right camp the numbers are very clear."
Sofer adds that "Saar gave an election promise, and he is a right-wing man and an ideologue. He and Elkin are committed to a value system."
From what I understand, Saar and Elkin's hatred of Netanyahu is higher than their love for the State of Israel and the right.
"The government that will be formed there will not really be a right-wing government, but a left-wing government with some kind of right-wing component, a kind of fig leaf. When the government has close to 40 seats for a radical left, today is Labor and Meretz - one is, with reliance on the common "And without a right-wing, religious and traditional element - everything there will be void, void, void."
Why don't you tell the prime minister - first bring us an agreement, then we'll talk? Why are you starting to create a big brawl? Maybe there will be an agreement with civilian elements with the Israeli Arabs that you can live with?
"It is important for me to emphasize - we are not opposed to advancing civic agendas among Israeli Arabs, but we do not think that the 61 (seats. 12) should rely on RAAM and RAAM voters."
As for recent events in Iran, Sofer said that "I think the reference to the Iranian issue only sharpens how much personal matters should be left aside, and focus on values."
Do you think we're on our way to a fifth election?
"Unfortunately, I am not optimistic, but no one is exempting us from this matter. And we will act actively so that the government suits everyone - us too, both Bennett and Saar. Everyone.
"There is a good relationship between the coalition partners in the Likud. I think there is a value partnership between the Likud and religious Zionism. And the two parties give different functions, with such and such nuances. There are always balances between the satellite parties and the ruling parties."
"The more people talk and get to know the post-Taroma - the stronger the State of Israel will be"
"It is a week of remembrance with meaning for the bereaved families, but also for every Israeli - certainly for those who were partners in the fighting. It is a place to grieve the pain, but also to remember why we are here, and how precious the people are to us. We must remember the holy ones - we are here to sustain the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. "
You led the committee for post-trauma victims in the last Knesset, can you tell us a little about the post-trauma you suffered from?
"I was at an event at Joseph's Tomb. This was my first military experience, a not-so-simple experience that accompanied me in all my commands. Today there is progress in the IDF and in Israeli society in general in everything related to post-trauma - which is mainly reflected in consciousness.
But there is still a long way to go and where to go.
"I believe more people will talk about it and awareness and progress will increase - it will lead to stronger fighters, and a stronger country."