Smotrich Slams Macron, Warns Against Arab State in Israel
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a sharp political attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, criticizing his stance on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the pursuit of a two-state solution. Smotrich accused Macron of presenting an inaccurate picture of the security situation, citing a recent deadly shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf, where Hamas operative Qadri Samara killed Natanel Shicron. Smotrich argued this incident demonstrates Hamas's involvement in West Bank terrorism and its efforts to foment violence beyond Gaza, which he believes undermines any move towards establishing an Arab state.
Smotrich asserted that the current Israeli government's policy focuses on strengthening and expanding settlements, which he views as a crucial component of Israel's security doctrine and a buffer zone. He warned against a potential future government led by figures like Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan, claiming they might dismantle settlements and advance the creation of an Arab state, a scenario he deems a severe security threat.
The finance minister also directed criticism towards European entities, suggesting they await a policy shift in Israel to facilitate the establishment of an Arab state. This confrontation occurs amid ongoing disagreements between Israel and France, along with other European nations, regarding the West Bank. France, the UK, and Canada recently stated that settlement expansion jeopardizes the two-state solution, while affirming their support for Israel's security and a vision of a secure Israel alongside a secure Palestinian state.
Smotrich and his Religious Zionism party fundamentally reject the establishment of an Arab state, viewing increased Israeli settlement as a strategic tool to prevent future territorial division. He has previously clashed with Gadi Eisenkot over construction in the E1 area and positioned the Religious Zionism party as a force committed to preventing settlement evacuations and the formation of an Arab state.
