Moshe Feiglin
Moshe FeiglinFlash 90

Deputy Knesset Chairman Moshe Feiglin (Likud) on Tuesday responded to former Likud MK Moshe Kahlon's comments earlier in the day, in which Kahlon claimed the "extreme right" had wrested control of the Likud party.

"Kahlon's attempt to connect loyalty to the land of Israel to damage on the economy is a miserable attempt," Feiglin told Arutz Sheva in an exclusive interview. Feiglin formerly was considered close to Kahlon.

Kahlon, speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth, clarified that his plans to return to politics were definite, but at the same time ruled out a return to Likud. According to Kahlon, "Likud was social sensitivity, Likud was compassion, Likud was caring for the weak. But this Likud no longer exists."

However, according to Feiglin, precisely the radical left is responsible for any faults in the financial and social situation, not the "extreme right."

"If today there's no obtainable housing it's because they don't build in Judea and Samaria, and there won't be housing until we change it and build in Judea and Samaria," declared Feiglin.

"There's incitement here against the right," argued Feiglin. "Precisely the left should be blamed, for creating an industry of peace here and (the) Oslo (Accords), because that industry is funded by the weaker economic layers. They fund Gaza, the rockets, the security fences and the guards at cafes, which the radical left brought on us. The industry of peace takes 10% of the budget of the state of Israel."

Feiglin claimed Kahlon had fallen victim to some strategy to corrupt his positions, saying "he's a positive person who is loyal to the land of Israel, but someone apparently led him astray and that won't count in his favor. Kahlon never left politics, and those who understand will understand."

Build in Judea and Samaria to save Israel

Arguing for construction in Judea and Samaria as a solution to the housing crisis, Feiglin noted "the basic point is that state lands are running out, and in a few years there won't be lands within the green lines. Today you can't get permission to build, not in the Negev or the Galilee, it's over."

"Go to the Negev and see, there are either Bedouin lands there, or green areas, or military zones," remarked Feiglin. "Land reserves are running out, and there's nowhere to go other than Judea and Samaria, and south Mount Hevron."

"Unfortunately, instead of thinking of Judea and Samaria, the academics start dealing today with the possibility to build on poles in the sea, preposterous construction to the direction of the west," concluded Feiglin.

Polls give Kahlon 10 seats

A survey published by Channel 10 on Tuesday found that if Kahlon were to run in elections at the head of his own new party, he would receive ten mandates.

The same survey found that under such a scenario, Likud-Beytenu would receive 33 seats, up from its current 31, while Labor would get 14, dropping one from its current standing.

Further, Jewish Home would gain one seat, putting it at 13 mandates, while Yesh Atid would drop from 19 to 12 mandates.