Smotrich Vows to 'Re-Zionize' Galilee, Replicate West Bank Settlements

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich entered the "Al-Rous" area near the town of Majd al-Krum in the Galilee on Thursday morning under heavy security. He held a press conference at the site where tents and structures had recently been erected, sparking tension and protests from local residents.

Smotrich declared his intention to "re-Zionize the area" and transfer the model of West Bank settlement outposts to the Galilee region. This statement follows a week of controversy after supporters of his Religious Zionism party established temporary structures in the area, which were later removed by the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael) on September 15th.

Hundreds of Israeli flags were hung around Majd al-Krum overnight, an initiative by Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, amid the ongoing tensions. The party had announced an emergency meeting for its faction at the outpost site near Majd al-Krum.

Smotrich had previously announced a plan titled "Judaize the Galilee," which aims to establish "hilltop youth" settlement outposts in the Galilee and Negev regions, mirroring those in the West Bank.