Thousands of IDF troops to assist in clean up of disastrous tar spill on coast – The Times of Israel

Campaign ad from extremist candidate sparks row between right-wing leaders

A campaign ad from extremist political candidate Itamar Ben Gvir sparks a row between right-wing lawmakers Bezalel Smotrich and Naftali Bennett.

Ben Gvir, from the Otzma Yehudit faction, releases a campaign video on social media that attacks Arab and left-wing lawmakers, as well as Bennett.

Smotrichs Religious Zionism faction partnered with the extremist-right Kahanist Otzma Yehudit in a deal pushed by Netanyahu ahead of next months election.

Smotrich did not release the video, and claimed that he did not know about it ahead of its release.

The campaign ad shows a video of a fictional group text conversation between left-wing political leaders including the Arab majority Joint Lists Ayman Odeh, Meretzs Tamar Zandberg, Labors Merav Michaeli and Yesh Atids Yair Lapid.

The group jokes around in the video and adds right-wing party leaders Bennett of Yamina and Gideon Saar of New Hope.

The video shows a fictional text from Labor candidate Ibtisam Maraana, saying, I asked a Holocaust survivor one time, Whats your number? hahaha. Maraana, an Arab Israeli filmmaker, has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks.

At another point, Maaranana posts an image of Hitler with a heart emoji.

Lapid then agrees to demands from Arab lawmakers in the fictional chat, including canceling the right of return, which allows diaspora Jews to emigrate to Israel, and for establishing a Hamas Recognition Day.

Zandberg calls for a day for former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and a monthly visit to his gravesite.

At the end of the ad, Lapid writes, Believe me, were lucky theres not a government with Ben Gvir.

The ad closes with images of Ben Gvir and Smotrich and the text, Winning together.

Bennett wrote on Facebook, Bezalel, the time has come to say enough.

There is a limit. I have been quiet until now over all these attacks because I did not want to fight with you but tonight you crossed a line.

Smotrich says after the videos release, The video that was released tonight without our knowledge is a serious matter the Holocaust is out of bounds. Period.

He accused Bennett of aiming to form a government with Lapid and Michaeli, but said, The debate needs to be held within boundaries.

In another response, Smotrich says, Naftali, I already clarified that the video is a serious incident and that I dont stand behind it. Great that youre celebrating this and doing a lap. Now lets talk about values.

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Thousands of IDF troops to assist in clean up of disastrous tar spill on coast - The Times of Israel