Finance Minister Smotrich Discusses Settlements, Gaza, and Judicial Reform

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich participated in a festive holiday interview hosted by Shimon Riklin, addressing a range of pressing issues.

Smotrich emphasized the strategic and security importance of settlements in Judea and Samaria, referring to them as Israel's "security belt." He stated, "We know that this is the security belt of the State of Israel, and so that all population centers in the State of Israel, from Be'er Sheva in the south to Afula in the north, can sit in peace and security... we need to be big and strong in Judea and Samaria." He also highlighted the influx of visitors to these areas during the intermediate days of Sukkot as a sign of a "revolution."

The minister also discussed structural changes within public bodies, specifically the Israel Land Authority and the Planning Administration. Smotrich expressed his intention to remove "post-Zionist" individuals from these organizations and replace them with "good people," citing Yehuda Eliyahu as someone who needs protection. He warned that attempts to remove Eliyahu are an attempt to "liquidate the last chance to save this important and critical body."

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Smotrich advocated for a decisive approach, suggesting that annexing territory up to the "yellow line" and asserting Israeli sovereignty would remove hope for the enemy. He argued against the possibility of two million "Nazis" living on Israel's borders, stating, "We cannot afford to have two million Nazis living on our borders."

Reflecting on the past three years of war, Smotrich spoke of the heavy responsibility and difficult decisions he has faced, including life-and-death choices. He shared, "There was a heavy sense of responsibility on my shoulders. A kind of awe and trembling. You feel both the weight of history, but the responsibility for the nation's security... I will take decisions with me to the grave. These are life-and-death decisions. I sent people, some of whom returned in a coffin, wrapped in a flag, including my cousin."

Looking ahead, Smotrich stressed the importance of unity on the right and completing the judicial reform in the next government. He believes that in the next term, appointments to the Supreme Court, State Attorney, and legal advisor positions will be made, and the reform will "finally balance democracy correctly."