Racism against Mizrahim: Eliyahu Accuses Netanyahu and Smotrich of Exclusion and Arrogance

Eliyahu, a prominent figure in the Jewish Power party, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Religious Affairs Yuval Steinitz of racism against Mizrahim, a term referring to Jews of Middle Eastern and North African descent. His remarks come amid tensions within the Israeli political landscape, particularly following the exclusion of his party from a closed conference titled “Save the Right.” The event, set to take place at the Orient Hotel in Jerusalem, is intended to discuss preparations for the 2026 elections and strategies to strengthen the right-wing bloc.

Eliyahu criticized the perceived arrogance of Netanyahu and Steinitz, stating that the exclusion of his party from the conference reflects a broader pattern of discrimination. He emphasized that in his community, such exclusion was not tolerated, highlighting a sense of injustice. The conference, which will include rabbis and leaders from Torah institutions, is expected to bring together key figures like Rabbi Eliakim Levanon and Rabbi Yigal Levinstein to discuss the future of the right-wing alliance.

The exclusion of Jewish Power from the conference has sparked controversy, with party chairman Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly unaware of the event until it was publicly announced. This incident has further strained relations between Ben Gvir and Netanyahu, who have not engaged in personal conversations in recent weeks, despite participating in broader political forums. The tension underscores the growing divisions within the right-wing coalition.

The situation is compounded by the recent surplus agreement between the Likud and Religious Zionism parties, which left Jewish Power without a similar arrangement. The party claims this was an attempt by the Likud to marginalize them and exclude Ben Gvir from a potential government coalition led by Netanyahu. Eliyahu argues that the exclusion is not merely political but represents a systemic issue of exclusion and racism against Mizrahim.

Eliyahu’s accusations reflect a broader concern within the Mizrahi community about their representation and inclusion in Israeli politics. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing national identity with diversity and the need for inclusive leadership. As the political landscape continues to shift, the issue of representation remains a critical topic for discussion and reform.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)