Israel Threatens Retaliation Against Nations Imposing Sanctions

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel is preparing a package of diplomatic and economic retaliatory measures against countries considering sanctions on Israeli products. Speaking to industrialists in Ma'ale Adumim, Smotrich vowed that Israel would not remain passive in the face of economic pressure, stating, "No one will try to force us to commit suicide through sanctions and economic pressure. We are done being passive players."

He emphasized that Israel would respond with "very painful" measures in both political and economic arenas against nations that impose boycotts. Smotrich also pledged that the Israeli government would provide a safety net and compensation for Israeli businesses that suffer from such sanctions. "The State of Israel will have a safety net for those who are harmed as a result of such boycotts," he stated.

Smotrich criticized the idea of forcing Israel's hand through boycotts or legal actions, such as arrest warrants, calling it "unacceptable." He urged industrialists to actively seek alternative markets, asserting, "If one market closes, other markets will open."

Addressing the nations threatening sanctions, Smotrich sent a stern message: "We will return war against countries that try to harm you. We will be here as a state and provide a safety net, and where necessary, we will help open markets. If we need to provide a safety net and compensate, we will do that too."

He concluded by encouraging industrialists to continue their work, build their businesses, and generate wealth, promising tax reductions and continued government support. "You will continue to get up in the morning, work hard, develop, build industry, build an economy, build a state. Earn a lot of money and pay a lot of tax. We will lower taxes... And still, you will pay a lot of tax because you will earn a lot of money. And the state is with you and behind you," he said.