Ness Ziona Mock Election Event Sparks Political Clashes Over War and Enlistment
A mock election event in Ness Ziona sparked intense political debates among party representatives over the October 7 attacks, ultra-Orthodox enlistment, and public figures.
A mock election event held for students in Ness Ziona turned into an arena of political clashes and sharp statements, as party representatives addressed the ongoing war, ultra-Orthodox enlistment, controversies involving public figures, and the military service record of Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir.
The October 7 Debate and Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment
Amir Avivi, participating in the panel on behalf of the Likud party, claimed before the students that the motive for the October 7 attack was linked to the establishment of the previous change government and the entry of the Ra'am party into the coalition. "The October 7 war broke out because the keys in the change government were given to Ra'am," he said. According to him, this also appears in IDF investigations into the war.
The issue of ultra-Orthodox enlistment was also raised during the event. Moti Leitner stated that "we will ensure the IDF gets the division it lacks from the ultra-Orthodox public that does not study," referring to the need to increase the number of recruits to the military, particularly from among the ultra-Orthodox population not engaged in full-time yeshiva studies.
Controversies and School Restrictions
During the event, clashes were recorded regarding the conduct of public figures. Iris Doron, the principal of Ben Gurion School in Ness Ziona, banned Otzma Yehudit activists from distributing keychains shaped like pistols and noises to students. Meanwhile, Naor Shiri attacked Likud MK Tali Gotliv, stating, "If Tali Gotliv were named Ahmad Tibi, she would be sitting in prison," referring to his claim that she had exposed state secrets.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir was also asked to respond to a direct question from a female student regarding the fact that he did not serve in the IDF. Ben Gvir replied that he was convicted of supporting terrorism following a sticker that read "Expel the Arab enemy."
The event, held as part of youth election activities, addressed a series of issues at the heart of public controversy in Israel—from accountability for the October 7 failure and the war, through ultra-Orthodox enlistment, to the conduct of public officials and the boundaries of political discourse.
