Zionist parties overwhelmingly reject a Palestinian state in pre-election debate

Eight of the nine Zionist parties participating in one outlet-Yad L’Olim English-language debate before the Oct. 27 election uniformly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, with several calling the idea a “hell no.” The panel featured ministers and MKs from Likud, Yashar, Together, the Religious Zionist Party, Yisrael Beiteinu, The Democrats, Otzma Yehudit, Amcha Yisrael and the Reservists-Economic Party. While consensus emerged on opposing a Palestinian state, the participants diverged sharply on how to handle Gaza, the draft of haredi men, and the composition of a post-Oct. 7 inquiry commission.

Proposals ranged from separating Gaza’s civilian population from Hamas to ending Israeli provision of utilities to the enclave. On the haredi draft, suggestions included universal service, incentives, and sanctions. The discussion also revealed a split over the next prime minister, with right-wing parties backing Netanyahu and opposition figures favoring Gadi Eiskot, Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Liberman. The debate was moderated by former Knesset member Dov Lipman and a columnist at one outlet.