The Likud Central Committee voted Wednesday night at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Grounds to approve the framework agreement for uniting the “United Right” faction, led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, with Likud.
This marked Sa’ar’s first appearance at a Likud Central Committee session since his departure from the party five years ago.
Wearing a kippah as he took the stage, Sa’ar began by reciting a Shehecheyanu.
“How good it is to come home. On October 7th, we all woke up to a terrible morning and to an actual attempt to destroy the Jewish people in its land — this is the campaign we have been fighting for the past two years. In the face of this historic event, everyone had to decide how to act. The members of the opposition had to choose whether to exploit this terrible, historic event and the difficult war that followed for political gain, or to mobilize to strengthen the State of Israel at this critical hour. Thank G-d, I am grateful to the Almighty for granting my colleagues and me the privilege to stand up and strengthen the government of Israel and the State of Israel in these decisive moments,” Sa’ar said.
He described early wartime discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu about Lebanon, Iran, and dismantling the Iranian axis. Sa’ar said that during those talks, he made the decision to join forces with the government. He also disclosed that Netanyahu had raised the idea of merging with Likud before their initial agreement. “I told the Prime Minister I believe him, that we’ll work together, and then move to the second stage of uniting forces in the national camp,” he said.
Sa’ar argued that the merger was essential in the face of what he described as “a historic test” — international pressure to create a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel. “Who will lead the people and the state in this battle if not the national camp, the Likud, led by the Prime Minister? When these countries try to force this on us, who will stand up to them? Yair Lapid? Yair Golan? We have fought our whole lives for the Land of Israel. These are decisive moments,” he stated, acknowledging the personal and political price of his decision but insisting there was no other choice.
Reflecting on his long political relationship with Netanyahu, Sa’ar recalled both challenging election fights and times when they worked “shoulder to shoulder.” He expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s confidence in him and noted that while the past cannot be changed, the future is theirs to shape. “Just as we strengthened the state and the government in decisive moments, so, G-d willing, we will strengthen the national camp as a first step toward the next elections,” he concluded.
Before Sa’ar’s address, MK Tally Gotliv took the podium to voice her opposition to the merger. She sparked a loud reaction by bringing up past statements Sa’ar had made about Netanyahu.
“Gideon Sa’ar is invited to run in the primaries like every other candidate,” Gotliv declared. “He said terrible things about the Prime Minister, that he is dangerous for Israel, and led us to five election cycles and brought the obstacle that is Attorney General Baharav-Miara. He doesn’t deserve a reserved place in the party.” Her comments drew boos from the crowd.
{Matzav.com Israel}
