Smotrich Outlines Next Term Goals, Warns Against Right-Wing Vote Splitting

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Religious Zionism party, detailed his objectives for the upcoming political term in a holiday interview with Channel 7. His priorities include fundamentally altering the reality in Judea and Samaria, aiming to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, annul the Oslo Accords, blur borders, and apply Israeli sovereignty. Smotrich emphasized that achieving these goals is contingent on the upcoming election results and preventing the loss of votes from right-wing parties that might not pass the electoral threshold.

He drew a parallel to the 1992 elections and the Oslo Accords, citing them as examples of the national camp's potential losses due to political fragmentation. Smotrich asserted that while the current government has made progress in changing the post-Oslo reality, the work is far from complete. He criticized parties running independently without sufficient electoral backing, likening it to reckless driving. Smotrich stressed the critical nature of the upcoming elections, highlighting the Jewish character of the state, the justice system, settlement, and security as being at stake.

Smotrich also expressed a desire to see Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter join his party's list, suggesting a technical bloc arrangement to avoid wasting votes. He addressed the perceived threat of renewed pressure for a Palestinian state, noting that international pressure remains significant despite statements in Israel suggesting the idea is no longer relevant. He argued that only a government with a strong backbone could withstand such external pressure.

Regarding the war, Smotrich stated that his party had set red lines and opposed a hostage deal that included the release of terrorists, though he ultimately did not prevent it due to a broad coalition and public consensus. He also condemned violence in Judea and Samaria, distinguishing between authorized settlement activities and fringe elements, and called for its eradication. Smotrich criticized law enforcement's handling of crime in both Judea and Samaria and the Arab community, asserting that Israel has lost its monopoly on the use of force and proposing legislative changes to address this.

He identified the recruitment of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) into the military as a significant challenge, describing it as a "huge stomachache." However, he believes this issue should be resolved through agreement rather than coercion. Smotrich also addressed concerns about a right-wing government potentially infringing on freedoms, asserting that his religious views do not seek to impose a lifestyle and that free choice is a fundamental principle. He expressed openness to a broader government but blamed political boycotts for preventing it. Finally, Smotrich highlighted immigration as a key goal, preparing for potentially a million new Jewish immigrants due to increased connection to Israel and rising antisemitism worldwide.