Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that accusations of violence by Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria are part of a 'false, antisemitic campaign' and a marginal social phenomenon, comparing it to violence on the beach in Tel Aviv. He also said he is preparing the ground de facto for full Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday elaborated on his earlier remarks, specifically comparing accusations of violence by Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria to incidents on the beach in Tel Aviv, calling the allegations a 'false, antisemitic campaign.' According to the report, he said: 'There is violence in Judea and Samaria just as there is violence on the beach in Tel Aviv and everywhere else.' Smotrich also reaffirmed his goal of full Israeli sovereignty over the territory, stating that he is preparing the ground de facto for sovereignty.
At 13:52 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported from ynet that Smotrich dismissed the accusations and argued that violence occurs in Tel Aviv as well. Simultaneously, citing Army Radio, The Zioneer reported that Smotrich called the accusations a 'false, antisemitic campaign' and a marginal social phenomenon, and stated that his dream is full Israeli sovereignty. The new remarks provide a more specific comparison—the beach—and the explicit 'de facto' framing of his sovereignty preparations.
As The Zioneer has reported, Smotrich holds a ministerial role in the Defense Ministry overseeing civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria, giving him authority over Jewish communities and administrative matters. The remarks come amid ongoing international scrutiny, including European sanctions against Israeli residents accused of involvement in violence, and a rise in arson attacks in the region, which local officials have described as terrorism.
It remains unclear what specific steps Smotrich intends to take to advance 'de facto' sovereignty. The comparison to Tel Aviv beach violence does not address the specific nature of the accusations against Jewish residents, which have included reports of arson and attacks on Palestinian communities.
3 developments
- DevelopingSmotrich defends Judea and Samaria tax benefits as recognition of heroism
- DevelopingSmotrich warns of EU-backed plot to reverse Judea and Samaria settlement drive
- ConfirmedSmotrich orders expedited establishment of new settlement, demolition of illegal structures after Samaria terror attack
- DevelopingSmotrich says right in 'coma,' warns Eisenkot would reverse Judea and Samaria policy
Source and signal
- Open-source intake