Israeli Finance Minister Says Global Focus on War Enables Settlement Expansion
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Global focus on war allows Israel to expand settlements, Smotrich claims.
- Smotrich dedicates most time to Finance Ministry, some to Defense Ministry.
- He believes Gaza should not be rebuilt post-conflict.
- He described military operations in southern Lebanon as extensive.
- Smotrich warned of ongoing threats from radical groups in Gaza.
- He stressed the need for strong responses to aggression.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the global community's intense focus on the ongoing war has created an opportunity for Israel to advance settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria. He noted that the government brought a decision on settlements for cabinet approval, but international reaction and condemnation were minimal, with media attention directed elsewhere.
Smotrich indicated that he dedicates 90% of his time to the Finance Ministry and 10% to the Defense Ministry, where he oversees matters in Judea and Samaria. Regarding the future of the Gaza Strip, the minister expressed his view that the enclave should not be rebuilt after the fighting concludes, as this would encourage the migration of its population. He also warned that threats from radical groups, potentially under new names, would persist even after the current phase of the conflict ends.
Concerning the situation in southern Lebanon, Smotrich described the military operations there as extensive. He asserted that residents have no place to return due to the destruction and that international partners are not hindering these actions. According to him, Israel's zone of control extends up to twelve kilometers into Lebanon.
Furthermore, Smotrich addressed the deterrence of potential regional adversaries. He emphasized that ending hostilities without achieving decisive results emboldens opponents, citing the need for a strong response to aggression from neighboring states.
