Eisenkot Vows to Bring 70,000 Palestinian Workers to Israel

Gadi Eisenkot, a minister in the Defense Ministry, announced significant policy changes he plans to implement in Judea and Samaria. Speaking at an election conference in Modi'in, Eisenkot pledged to abolish the additional minister role in the Defense Ministry, currently held by Bezalel Smotrich, and to demolish unauthorized Jewish construction. He also intends to reinstate administrative orders and allow approximately 60,000 to 70,000 Palestinian laborers to return to work in Israel.

Eisenkot explained that the current absence of workers from Judea and Samaria has led to an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 individuals becoming illegal residents. His plan is to permit Palestinian workers who have passed Shin Bet security clearance to enter Israel and work in the region. Eisenkot also criticized the management of the government and Knesset, specifically targeting Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, stating Bismuth's ability to manage the committee is comparable to Eisenkot's ability to manage the International Space Agency, implying a lack of serious oversight and discussion.

Furthermore, Eisenkot proposed reducing the number of government ministries from 37 to 24, closing 13 offices. He also committed to limiting the Prime Minister's term to eight years, citing concerns that "power corrupts." In response, Bezalel Smotrich attacked Eisenkot's proposals, viewing them as an attempt to dismantle the settlement administration he established, return settlers to military administration, and reverse the settlement movement. Smotrich warned of a split in right-wing votes, predicting that Eisenkot's rise to power would lead to the evacuation of outposts and settlements, harm the country's Jewish identity, and result in the establishment of a Palestinian terror state.