Smotrich Unveils Plan to Establish Dozens of New Settlements in Negev and Galilee

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, has introduced his initiative called "Yes. We Will Judeanize!" aimed at increasing the Jewish population in Israel's Negev and Galilee regions. He seeks to take control of the National Planning and Building Authority and the Israel Land Authority to expedite settlement development. Smotrich stated, "We will override procedures and people to allow farms to be established," emphasizing his intent to remove what he described as anti- and post-Zionist elements from these agencies and replace them with individuals who understand the challenge of Judeanizing these areas. He pledged to pursue this goal through legislation rather than relying on bureaucrats or legal advisors.

The plan sets a national target of adding one million Jews by creating 40 new settlements and dozens of farms, significantly expanding existing communities, and generating hundreds of thousands of housing solutions. The Finance Minister has not disclosed the estimated cost of this ambitious program.