Yisrael Beitenu MK Yulia Malinovsky stated during a parlor meeting in Har Adar that she prefers the Democrats’ chairman, Yair Golan, over National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, delivering wide-ranging critiques of the government’s management of the war, the hostage negotiations, and the ongoing ultra-Orthodox conscription crisis.
3+“I do not agree with Yair Golan on everything, but he is a great guy,” Malinovsky told attendees. “If, God forbid, something happens here, I want Yair Golan by my side and not Ben-Gvir. Yair Golan will know how to protect me, while Ben-Gvir will run away. He will make trouble, scream, and run. Unequivocally.”
Targeting the broader governing coalition, Malinovsky characterized the political leadership in scathing terms: “The country is at a difficult crossroads, because if we continue with this catastrophic government and politicians who sold their souls to the devil, it will be destructive.”
3+“There Were Opportunities to Free Hostages Alive”
Malinovsky laid direct blame on Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for stalling negotiations to retrieve Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip. “There were opportunities to release living hostages, and because of politicians in the government—Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—who wanted another day in power, it did not happen,” she claimed. Turning to the defense establishment’s manpower shortages, Malinovsky highlighted the IDF’s stated deficit of 15,000 personnel. “What saved us on October 7 was soldiers with M16 rifles, not Torah study,” she said, adding that while military service and religious study are not mutually exclusive, immediate mobilization is required.
3+“I Believe in the Power of Money”
Malinovsky targeted state funding models, claiming that sectoral subsidies to the Haredi public total 36 billion shekels annually. She argued that welfare algorithms grant higher municipal aid scores to large ultra-Orthodox families than to deployed reservists, insisting that budgetary pressure is the only mechanism that will yield compliance. “I firmly believe in the power of money,” she stated. “In the end, when your wife confronts you and says ‘I have no money for the children,’ you will take action.”
Addressing the judicial overhaul, Malinovsky noted that while she supports legal reform in principle, she opposes the administration’s specific implementation: “Not in such a predatory manner, and not out of narrow personal interests.” She accused the coalition of passing flawed legislation intentionally designed to be struck down by the High Court of Justice to manufacture political leverage against the judiciary. On the post-war status of the Gaza Strip, the Yisrael Beitenu lawmaker advocated for total civilian disengagement: “Gaza should not be a humanitarian problem for Israel. We need to cast off this civilian hump—shut down the crossings, cut off electricity, and cut off water. They need to understand that this is not our responsibility.”
3+“His Lack of Experience Bothers Me”
Malinovsky addressed cross-party dynamics outside Yisrael Beitenu, suggesting potential post-election cooperation with elements within Ofer Winter’s “Amcha Israel” slate and Yoaz Hendel’s circles.
Commenting on the relationship between Yisrael Beitenu chairman Avigdor Liberman and Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot, Malinovsky dismissed reports of irreconcilable rifts: “Even if they argue tomorrow, they will work it out in the end. They fight and make up because they share national responsibility.” Commenting directly on Eisenkot, she added: “He is a good guy, a good soul, and we speak often. What bothers me is his lack of political experience.”