Settlement Leaders Endorse Smotrich Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Ahead of the upcoming elections, 119 settlement leaders in Judea and Samaria published a letter endorsing Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They praised his work in strengthening settlements, security, and Israeli governance in the region. The leaders cited tangible changes in construction, security, and policy as reasons for their support, based on their daily experiences.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 119 settlement leaders in Judea and Samaria endorsed Minister Bezalel Smotrich nine days before elections.
- The leaders cited Smotrich's role in strengthening settlements, security, and Israeli governance in the region.
- They highlighted perceived policy shifts from maintaining the status quo to promoting growth and construction.
- The endorsement is based on tangible changes experienced in their communities, not just policy statements.
- The letter expressed appreciation for Smotrich's determination and adherence to settlement principles.
With nine days remaining until the elections, the heads of 119 settlements in Judea and Samaria have issued a letter of support and appreciation for Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The letter highlights what they describe as a revolution in strengthening settlements, security, and governance, alongside a change in the reality on the ground.
The signatories, addressing supporters of the Land of Israel, detail perceived shifts in government policy toward settlements in recent years, attributing a central role to Smotrich in leading these changes. They stated their decision to publish the declaration stems from a "deep sense of responsibility for the future of the settlement enterprise, its security, and the strengthening of the Israeli hold in Judea and Samaria."
The leaders outlined three main areas where they believe Smotrich has driven significant change. The first is the reinforcement of settlements through advancing construction plans, regularization of communities, infrastructure development, and expanding Jewish settlement in the region. The second area is bolstering security and governance, including combating terrorism, increasing enforcement, and enhancing Israel's ability to operate in the area and protect its lands. The third is a broader policy shift, which they claim has moved from maintaining the status quo to promoting growth, construction, and deepening the Israeli presence.
The settlement heads emphasized that their support is based on tangible changes experienced in their communities, not just policy statements. "We, who live here day by day, encounter the change on the ground and see the results," they wrote. They concluded by expressing personal appreciation for Smotrich's efforts throughout his term, noting his "actions, determination, and adherence to the principles of settlement, security, and the hold on the Land of Israel," while acknowledging that "the road is still long, the tasks are many, but the direction is clear, strengthening the settlement enterprise and changing the reality."
