Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that accusations of violence by Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria are a 'false, antisemitic campaign' and a marginal social phenomenon, according to Army Radio. He added that his dream is full Israeli sovereignty over the territory and that he is preparing the groundwork.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expanded on his earlier remarks Monday, telling Army Radio that accusations of violence by Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria are a "false, antisemitic campaign" and a marginal social phenomenon that Israel Police is expected to handle. He drew a comparison to violence in Tel Aviv, arguing the issue should not be taken out of proportion.
Smotrich then added a clear statement of his long-term goal: "My dream in Judea and Samaria is full Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory — what I am doing now is preparing the groundwork de facto for sovereignty."
The remarks come as Smotrich continues to advance settlement expansion and administrative measures in Judea and Samaria. As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, the minister had already dismissed accusations of "Jewish terrorism" as a false campaign. The sovereignty statement represents a more explicit articulation of his policy direction.
Background context: Smotrich holds a ministerial role in the Defense Ministry overseeing civilian administration in Judea and Samaria, and has pursued a policy of strengthening the Jewish presence, including declaring state land for settlement expansion.
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