Smotrich Warns of 'Explosion' Over Galilee Eviction, Cites '7th October' Parallel

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized the dismantling of a compound in the Galilee, located on land managed by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) near Majd al-Krum. Smotrich argued that the decision to remove tents and infrastructure following local protests reflects a policy of conflict avoidance that could lead to severe future security threats within Israel. The controversy began when tents and facilities were erected on land leased for sheep grazing. Local residents of Majd al-Krum protested, claiming the site was more than just agricultural. Those who leased the land, however, maintained it was for legal grazing activities. The JNF decided to dismantle the temporary structures after an emergency discussion, reportedly considering an alternative site if legitimate grazing activities resume.

Smotrich drew a parallel between this incident and the security failures preceding the October 7th Hamas attack. He asserted that a reluctance to confront developing threats and a desire for short-term quiet, as he described the situation, could lead to far graver consequences later. He contended that this approach of avoiding friction and allowing threats to fester characterized Israel's policy towards Hamas and Hezbollah for years, and warned against repeating this mistake domestically.

According to Smotrich, the fact that a shepherd or farmer with authorization to operate on the land was forced to leave due to protests and threats indicates a broader issue of state control. Residents of Majd al-Krum countered that the compound exceeded its permitted grazing purpose, citing the presence of tents and infrastructure without livestock at the time of the protest.

Smotrich also reiterated claims about illegal weapons in the Arab community, stating he was informed during a Shin Bet visit that over a million illegal weapons and munitions are in Israel. He warned that this illegal weaponry, combined with extreme nationalism, could translate into organized violence, comparing the potential danger to a surprise attack similar to October 7th.

He announced his intention to promote a more assertive policy in the Galilee and the Negev, focusing on expanding Jewish settlement, increasing enforcement, and restoring state control. His party, Religious Zionism, has already begun registering new settlement nuclei in these areas. Smotrich explicitly stated his goal to "Judaize the Galilee" by increasing Jewish presence, a stance that sparks significant political and public debate, with supporters viewing it as a policy of settlement and governance, while opponents see it as an attempt to alter the region's demographic and land reality.