Smotrich Warns of 'October 7th Atmosphere' in Northern Israel After Spy Arrest

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a strong condemnation following the exposure of a spying case in Majd al-Krum, where an indictment was filed against a local resident suspected of providing information to a Lebanese agent working for Hezbollah. Smotrich pointed to the security situation in northern Israel, warning of a potential widespread escalation.

"I am warning again: We are in the Galilee in an October 7th atmosphere," Smotrich wrote. He suggested that the spark for a major conflict might not come from disputes over shepherd outposts, but from the entrenchment of radical Islamic elements in areas lacking sufficient Jewish presence.

Referring to recent events in the town, the minister added, "Residents of Majd al-Krum chanted 'Long live Palestine' this week. This is not a mistake; there are forces there who see the State of Israel as an enemy to be fought."

Smotrich concluded by calling for a fundamental policy shift in the Galilee and the Negev, mirroring actions taken in Judea and Samaria. "It is time to transfer the revolution from Judea and Samaria to the Galilee and the Negev, to save the State of Israel from the next October 7th," he stated.