Smotrich Rules Out Joining Eisenkot Government, Eyes Finance Ministry
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Bezalel Smotrich, Chairman of the Religious Zionism party, stated he will not join a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, insisting on remaining with the right-wing bloc. Smotrich also intends to continue as Minister of Finance and plans significant reforms in land and planning authorities. He further explained his party's failure to secure the Ministry of Religious Services in the previous government, citing a dispute with Itamar Ben-Gvir over coalition negotiations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bezalel Smotrich will not join a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, remaining committed to the right-wing bloc.
- Smotrich intends to continue as Minister of Finance and plans reforms in land and planning authorities.
- Smotrich claimed Itamar Ben-Gvir's demands led to Religious Zionism not receiving the Ministry of Religious Services.
- Smotrich cited a conversation with Moti Almoz on the importance of proximity to power and resources.
- Smotrich stated cooperation with Eisenkot depends on government composition and willingness to collaborate.
Bezalel Smotrich, Chairman of the Religious Zionism party and current Minister of Finance, has stated he will not join a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, emphasizing his commitment to the right-wing bloc. During a meeting with residents in Petah Tikva, Smotrich clarified that any potential cooperation would depend on the government's composition and the willingness of parties to collaborate. "I am not leaving the right-wing bloc. If they want to form a government with Netanyahu and me, it's possible. But in any case, I am not leaving the right-wing bloc. I will not let Religious Zionism be homeless," Smotrich declared, adding that while others speak of unity, they are boycotting his party.
Smotrich also expressed his intention to continue as Minister of Finance for another term, outlining plans for significant changes in planning and land authority. He aims to consolidate the Israel Land Authority and the Planning Administration, similar to a move previously made by Moshe Kahlon, and to advance development in the Negev and Galilee regions in conjunction with the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee.
Furthermore, Smotrich revealed his perspective on why his party did not receive the Ministry of Religious Services in the previous government. He claimed that after the elections, he approached Arie Deri, Chairman of Shas, arguing that Religious Zionism, with 14 mandates compared to Shas's 11, should receive the ministry. However, Smotrich alleged that Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded to split from him during coalition negotiations, despite Smotrich's requests to delay. Smotrich mentioned seeking Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu's intervention to persuade Ben-Gvir, but the effort was unsuccessful, and the Ministry of Religious Services ultimately went to Shas.
Smotrich also shared insights into his approach to working with the defense establishment, referencing a conversation with retired Major General Moti Almoz. Almoz reportedly used the analogy of an olive tree to illustrate the importance of proximity to power and resources, advising Smotrich to stay close to "the irrigation pipe, where the power is, where the money is." Smotrich stated this strategy helped him advance processes with the army and the Ministry of Defense.
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