Smotrich Cites Galilee Protests as Sign of Lost Control, Vows 'Revolution'

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reacted to protests in the northern town of Majd al-Krum, where residents demonstrated against what they described as attempts to establish a settlement outpost. Smotrich posted on Facebook, accompanied by a video of the protest chants, stating that "'Long live Palestine' chants in the heart of the Galilee represent a loss of governance and the need for radical change in Israel's handling of an entire occupied region."

He further asserted that "the time has come to look in the eyes of a real threat growing from the north and south," claiming that only his party, Religious Zionism, has a detailed plan for the Negev and Galilee. Smotrich also criticized Benny Gantz, suggesting that his alliance with Mansour Abbas would allow Arabs to act without restrictions, and vowed that Religious Zionism would "transfer the revolution in Judea and Samaria to the Negev and Galilee."

The protests in Majd al-Krum, specifically in the Al-Rous area, saw broad participation from local residents and supporters from other Arab towns. Demonstrators expressed their opposition to the perceived settlement expansion, which they believe aims to change the demographic character of the region.

Protesters told local media that their actions would continue through popular and legal channels to prevent the consolidation of the outpost and halt any future expansion. Majd al-Krum's local council head, Salim Salibi, confirmed that the council is pursuing both field protests and legal avenues, including filing a complaint through Adalah Legal Center and engaging with media to highlight the issue.

Jamal Shaaban, a member of the popular committee in Majd al-Krum, emphasized the ongoing presence in the area for a third day, calling the situation a "pivotal and fateful stage."