Israeli Finance Minister Slams Plans to Reform Settlement Administration
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot's plans to reform settlement administration, warning they would return settlers to military control. Smotrich stated Eisenkot's proposals aim to dismantle the Settlements Administration and reverse right-wing coalition reforms. He fears these changes could weaken the right-wing bloc and accelerate Palestinian statehood.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized MK Gadi Eisenkot's settlement administration reform plans.
- Smotrich fears Eisenkot's proposal would return settlers to military control.
- The plan reportedly aims to eliminate the deputy minister for defense role.
- Smotrich claims opposition seeks to reverse right-wing coalition reforms.
- He warned of risks to security and the state's Jewish character.
Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized proposals by Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot regarding the administration of settlements. Smotrich expressed concern over Eisenkot's intention to eliminate the position of deputy minister within the Ministry of Defense, which he believes would effectively dismantle the Settlements Administration.
This administration was established by the current government to transfer civilian authority from military command to civilian state bodies. Smotrich argued that Eisenkot's plan would return residents of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria under the sole control of military authorities. He stated he had warned of this danger weeks prior, asserting that opposition forces led by Eisenkot aim to reverse administrative reforms enacted by the right-wing coalition.
Smotrich further voiced fears that internal divisions among right-wing movements could weaken the ruling bloc. He claimed that a left-center government would lead to the dismantling of Jewish farms and new settlement outposts, the evacuation of settlements, the closure of the Eli yeshiva, and the cessation of broadcasts by the right-wing Channel 14.
Concluding his remarks, Smotrich linked potential leadership changes to risks for the state's security and Jewish character, suggesting that his opponents' plans would accelerate the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
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