Protest groups "Negev Front" and "In the Name of the Envelope" announced that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is visiting today for a public-relations tour at the expense of local reconstruction efforts, according to statements quoted by journalist Itai Gal-On. The activists say Smotrich cannot use taxpayer money to buy forgiveness.
Protest groups representing Gaza border communities issued a statement sharply criticizing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's planned visit to the area on Monday. The joint announcement, quoted by journalist Itai Gal-On, accused the minister of exploiting the destruction and ongoing rehabilitation efforts for a public-relations tour. "We are here to remind him that he cannot use taxpayer money to buy forgiveness," the groups said.
The protest, organized by the "Negev Front" and "In the Name of the Envelope" groups, follows an earlier demonstration against Smotrich's arrival at Kibbutz Nir Oz earlier in the day, as The Zioneer reported. This comes after Smotrich's recent remarks about hostage returns sparked controversy, with the minister publishing a detailed rationale claiming credit for the hostage deal.
4 developments
- StrongFinance Minister Smotrich visits Kibbutz Nir Oz amid local protests over his arrival
- StrongSmotrich says Gaza deal bad for Israel, vows to continue campaign in 'creative ways'
- DevelopingSmotrich defends Judea and Samaria tax benefits as recognition of heroism
- StrongSmotrich publishes detailed rationale for claiming hostage return credit
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- Internal intake