Smotrich's Galilee Plans Criticized Amidst Past Failures and Exclusionary Rhetoric
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's plan to "Judaize" the Galilee is criticized for echoing past failures in Judea and Samaria, where settlement efforts did not significantly increase the Jewish population. Concerns are raised about potential land appropriation for Arab farmers, fueled by a recent religious ruling. Smotrich is also accused of exaggerating attendance at a party conference and of promoting misogyny through the exclusion of women from public events, reflecting what the author calls a "racist and misogynistic" agenda.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's "Judaization" plan for the Galilee is criticized for past failures in Judea and Samaria.
- Settlement efforts in Judea and Samaria reportedly failed to significantly increase the Jewish population.
- A rabbi's ruling permitting olive harvesting from Arab orchards raises fears for Arab farmers in the Galilee.
- Smotrich is accused of exaggerating attendance at a Religious Zionism conference.
- The absence of women at the conference is cited as evidence of misogyny within the movement.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent pledge to "Judaize" the Galilee region, mirroring his approach in Judea and Samaria, has drawn criticism. The article argues that Smotrich's efforts in Judea and Samaria, which involved establishing outposts and spending billions, failed to significantly increase the Jewish population beyond natural growth, largely attributed to the Haredi community. This demographic outcome, the piece contends, suggests Smotrich's "Judaization" mission in the West Bank was unsuccessful, even when setting aside political considerations.
Smotrich's rhetoric about replicating past actions in the Galilee has raised concerns, particularly in light of a recent halachic ruling by Rabbi Dov Lior, associated with the Otzma Yehudit party, which permits Jews to harvest olives from Arab orchards. This ruling is interpreted as legitimizing theft and could foster anxiety among Arab farmers in the Galilee about their property rights should Smotrich's settlement policies extend there.
The article also scrutinizes Smotrich's public image, citing an incident where he posted photos of a "Religious Zionism" conference, claiming approximately 5,500 attendees. However, the venue's capacity is estimated at around 3,000, leading to accusations of exaggeration or fabrication. More significantly, the absence of women in the conference photos and videos is highlighted as evidence of the party's exclusionary stance towards women, suggesting a broader pattern of misogyny within the movement.
The author contrasts this with past values of Religious Zionism, recalling periods of co-education and joint activities, and laments the current focus on issues like dress codes and halachic restrictions rather than broader societal values. The piece concludes by linking Smotrich's alleged exclusionary policies and rhetoric to his past personal statements, suggesting a pattern of "racist and misogynistic" fantasy being enacted through his government policies.
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