MK Michael Ben - Ari: "Netanyahu stole the voices of the Right, and carries out the policy of the Left"
Interview with MK Michael Ben Ari
On the first anniversary of his term as MK, Dr. Michael Ben - Ari, of the Our Land of Israel movement, explains that the right-wing government carries out the leftist policies, and therefore it is essential that his party, the National Union, be in the opposition: to select a Rightist to stand as a dam opposite the left-wing government * "We can not be bought for jobs," he says firmly, "we will state our opinions without apology"
MK Dr. Michael Ben - Ari, a representative of the ′Our Land of Israel movement in the Knesset, managed, already in his first year in the Knesset, to prove that you can conduct another kind of politics. To be faithful to the principles ("things you see from here you don′t see from there "...), also be first on any topic related to Eretz Yisroel, to be first on the spot, and even getting arrested for the sake of a settlement. He will be remembered as the one who made Aryeh Golan- the radio announcer- lose his cool, and cut him off in the midst of an interview.
A year has past since the elections to the Knesset, and Knesset member Dr. Michael Ben - Ari, who is, no doubt, the big surprise of the last elections, speaks of a tumultuous year that has passed since Netanyahu pledged to establish a Palestinian state and the freeze decree threatening the future of settlements in Yehuda and Shomron.
One year after the election, how do you summarize the particularly turbulent year?
"We see how we were right when we refused to join Netanyahu′s coalition. The right wing and religious parties alike purported to represent the right. However, they deceived their constituents. All components of the coalition that promised on the eve of elections to protect the Land of Israel – are all partners in the Netanyahu′s freeze government. We are speaking of a freeze, the announcement of the establishment Palestinian state, and the oppression of the settlement and Rabbis like Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira. They promised to maintain the settlement; what remained of all the promises?
"I′ll give you an example: We suggested a bill with MK Aryeh Eldad: an amendment to the Prevention of Terrorism Law. We asked to extend the law to get the Islamic Movement outlawed - no one voted with us. On the eve of the election, Lieberman and Likud figures declared that they will outlaw the Islamic movement, but when the law lay at their doorpost, they voted against it. Unfortunately, these so-called right-wing parties take the rightists′ votes, and use them to destroy the land of Israel. Consciously, they become the executive arm of the rosiest dreams of the left. Beilin sits rubbing his hands with great delight. "
But you will always be asked: What′s the alternative?
"Those who act like Zimri and ask to be rewarded like Pinchas, are the most dangerous to the people of Israel. If Tzipi Livni were prime minister, at least there would be an opposition that would not let things happen. The public needs to understand that these elections were a fraud and deceit: Netanyahu stole the votes of the right, and he carries out the leftist policy without criticism and protest. Ichud Haleumi, (′National Unity′), which is the only party that did not betray its voters, must be an government alternative in the long term, and serve as an ideological alternative at this time, that marks the right path for those who had lost his way.
"Our job is to be in the opposition and fight for our truth, in order to save the people of Israel, which is facing an existential danger. The leaders sow illusions. Even at this time, I am being interviewed and indeed, there are no negotiations, the Arab enemy continues to strengthen the institutions of government, security, economic institutions -- including Yerushalayim, without any interference from the government of Israel. "
A (supposedly) right-wing government
Is there a chance that you join the Netanyahu government?
"Our condition for joining the coalition has not changed since the elections. We cannot be in a government that strives to establish a Palestinian state on the ruins of settlements in Yehuda and Shomron. Netanyahu knows very well that we are men of principles. Although we are four, faith in the Land of Israel precedes government "dumplings". He did not include us when he established the government, because he knew exactly who we are. Netanyahu prefers to connect with those who he can buy off with lentil stew.
"The public needs to understand that the ′right′ government, as it were, leads us toward disaster. The Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria is under unprecedented violent and cruel attack of the Netanyahu government. His partners, let us not forget, are ′Bayit Yehudi, ′Shas′, ′Yahadut HaTorah′ and ′Yisrael Beitainu′.
"At this time of the freeze, Arabs are building in full force. The purpose of government is to lead to suffocation, in order to systematically and deliberately bring about the destruction of the Jewish community, may it never happen.
"Netanyahu continues to deceive by using dolled up words, planting trees in Gush Etzion. Tree planting does not excite me. Instead of planting, let us see him ′thaw′ 3,000 housing units in Beitar Illit.
With all due respect, our ten mandates from our public preferred to vote for Netanyahu.
"This government is paying lip service to the National religious public and settlers. Actually, it declared war on the religious community. On the eve of the elections, Netanyahu promised Efi Eitam the sun and the moon, signed agreements with him - and fulfilled nothing. He spits in the face to the public this hour by hour".
How about that Hesder Rabbis refrained from giving support to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, who called to disobey orders to uproot settlements?
"I refrain from criticizing Rabbis; I am not allowed to judge them. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: his act and his stance on the principles of Judaism, the Torah and humaneness will go down in the annals of Jewish history.
As you wrap up your first year in the Knesset, many feel that you are cut with a different cookie cutter, a new species of Mk who is not afraid to speak his mind, say things in a ringing voice and clear language, and fight without gloves.
"I see myself as a messenger of the public who is faithful to those who sent him, who wait to see an MK who does not hesitate to say things as they are, even if they are unpleasant to the ear, even if the media will attack. I think that considering manners, we must state our ideals with our heads held high- without hesitation without stuttering and without apologies.
"I think even all my colleagues in the "National Unity" faction prove that despite being a just a few, our voice is sounded clearly and level mindedly, versus the government freeze fiasco. Our very presence proves to the public that all is not lost and not everyone can be bought for jobs. Precisely during this period to our role in the opposition has great importance: to be in the forefront of the struggle for Eretz Yisroel and the Am Yisroel". |
