MK Michael Biton from the National Unity Party sharply criticized the government’s approach to the hostage negotiations but praised the charedi parties for their stance on the matter. In an interview with Radio Kol Chai, Biton explained, “There was a done deal that was brought to the small cabinet, and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu hesitated and ultimately did not support it.” He further asserted, “Ben Gvir and Smotrich were the ones who thwarted the deal,” but expressed his approval of the charedi parties, stating, “I appreciate the charedi parties for supporting a comprehensive hostage deal.”
Biton also took issue with Netanyahu’s public remarks on the issue, saying, “We are constantly told that silence is golden when it comes to hostage deals, yet the Prime Minister himself speaks to the media after warning us not to talk – so it’s clear that he’s harming the progress of the issue.”
On the topic of judicial reform, Biton expressed his support for changes to the judicial system but emphasized that such reforms should be pursued with broad consensus. He stated, “I support reforming the judicial system, but it needs to be done with consensus. We oppose turning the Attorney General into a punching bag and sending her home.” Biton further remarked, “If you ask the charedim on the street whether they want the cost of living and poverty to be addressed, or whether they want the Attorney General to be dealt with, it’s clear what the answer will be.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
If Ben Gvir and Smotrich thwarted a hostage release deal, no doubt it was a horrible deal.