Chairman of the newly-formed New Hope - United Right party, Minister Gideon Sa'ar spoke today (Monday) at the opening of the faction's meeting about his latest move in which he decided to part ways with the "Blue and White" party headed by Benny Gantz.
"Last week we made a unanimous decision to end the partnership with the Blue and White party. We are gathering today for a faction meeting of the New Hope - United Right following the decision of the Knesset Committee from Wednesday. The war has been at the forefront of Israel's agenda for nearly half a year.
"We believe in the ambitious goals set by the Defense Cabinet for the war. They are ambitious, as I said, but they are achievable. The people of Israel and soldiers of the IDF showed and continue showing great spirit in this war and we continue fighting for issues that are critical to us in the cabinet.
"Unfortunately, the rate of military progress, the rate of military pressure has decreased in recent months. Contrary to official statements - so far there has been no progress in Rafah and our work isn't over in the refugee camps of central Gaza. This foot dragging has a direct impact on the extension of the campaign in the northern border.
"Even in the international arena, the passage of time is not helpful to us to say the least. Almost six months after 7/10, the IDF is doing an amazing job. True, patience is required in the campaign. But, we should have been far ahead of the current situation. We must act at a faster pace with more forces, we must increase the military pressure on Hamas.
"This also impacts our ability to implement a new hostage deal as soon as possible. The destruction of Hamas's governing forces has not progressed as required. Hamas's takeover of humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population strengthens it and undercuts our goals. As far as the humanitarian issue, action has been slow and ineffective, and has led to the loss of control.
"The truth must be told: The center of gravity in this war has moved from the security cabinet (which has become a kind of parliament) to the limited war cabinet. In the first week of the war, I prioritized the establishment of the emergency government over my membership in the limited cabinet. Under the current circumstances, as I explained, we no longer have this privilege.
"We we part of a government we opposed"
"We claim the opportunity to try and influence a change in the direction of the war and to make our voice heard in its navigation center. We can't give that up. Because in our eyes, carrying responsibly has meaning. I have served in many governments in the past, as has minister Shasha-Bitton.
"I'm not interested in the title, but the essence. We joined a government that we opposed only because of the war and only to influence the war issue. If we cannot do this - we will not be able to be in the government (and there are many things that are difficult for us to accept). In such a situation we will be able to make a clear, free voice outside the government in the public discourse about the war.
"One way or another - we will act out of national responsibility, and out of a commitment to achieving the goals of the war wherever it may be."
