Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday morning that a government led by Gantz and Bennett would evacuate all new outposts and farming communities in Judea and Samaria, and establish a "Palestinian state." He cited Bennett's own statements as confirmation of what Smotrich has been warning for days.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich escalated his political attack early Tuesday, warning that a potential unity government led by Gantz and Bennett would reverse the settlement achievements of the current coalition. In a statement posted on social media, Smotrich said Bennett's recent remarks — in which the former prime minister said illegal outposts would be evacuated and parts of the West Bank would not be part of Israel — prove that Smotrich's 'absolute knowledge' warnings were accurate. Smotrich claimed such a government would also establish a 'Palestinian autonomy' which he termed a 'terror state in the heart of the country.' The remarks come amid ongoing coalition negotiations and follow a series of coordinated warnings by right-wing figures against the formation of a left-leaning government. As The Zioneer has previously reported, political analyst Amit Segal (N12) earlier this month cited a firsthand source claiming a left-wing government would evacuate all new outposts. Smotrich's statement Tuesday is his most direct linkage yet between Bennett's recent interviews and the prospect of a government that would include centrist and left-leaning parties.
- DevelopingSmotrich warns of EU-backed plot to reverse West Bank settlement drive
- DevelopingAmit Segal (N12): 'Absolute knowledge' that left-wing government would evacuate new West Bank settlements
- DevelopingNaftali Bennett says illegal outposts will be evacuated, parts of West Bank will not be part of Israel
- StrongSmotrich says Gaza deal bad for Israel, vows to continue campaign in 'creative ways'
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