Smotrich Warns of 'Poison' if Right-Wing Votes Split, Details West Bank Military Plans

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich issued a stark warning against splitting the right-wing vote in the upcoming elections, particularly criticizing the independent candidacy of Ofer Winter. Smotrich described Winter's move as "seven poisons" out of nine bottles, suggesting it risks undermining the national camp's majority and potentially leading to a government that opposes his views on security, settlement, the justice system, and the state's Jewish identity. He revealed that Israel is preparing for a comprehensive military campaign in the West Bank aimed at disarming the Palestinian Authority and preventing a significant security threat to Israeli cities, warning that events like those of October 7th could recur in Israel's population centers.

Smotrich detailed the military's response to recent attacks, including the destruction of multi-story buildings and the establishment of new farms and settlements in the West Bank. He emphasized that these actions are the result of four years of work to change planning and execution systems in the region. The minister linked this security activity to his settlement policies, cautioning that a left-wing government might reverse these changes, specifically mentioning the potential halting of construction in E1 and the dismantling of the settlement administration. He also accused the judicial system of delaying the E1 construction tender, suggesting it was an attempt to influence the progress of building.

Addressing international pressure, Smotrich acknowledged that it is likely to increase but stated it should not halt Israeli actions. He drew parallels to the Cave of the Patriarchs, where he proceeded with projects despite warnings. Smotrich also highlighted Israel's technological and security advantages, such as in AI, quantum computing, and cyber, as crucial for international cooperation and resilience. He dismissed the Prime Minister's remarks about digital currencies, stating the government is not moving in that direction, and asserted the Israeli economy's strength despite the ongoing war.

Smotrich expressed deep concern over the potential loss of votes for parties failing to pass the electoral threshold, citing seven out of nine recent polls showing Winter's party not crossing the barrier. He recounted offering Winter several options to run within existing frameworks, including joining the Religious Zionism list or the Likud, or forming an independent faction after the elections, calling the rejection of these proposals irresponsible. He likened the situation to the 1992 elections, where he claimed vote splitting on the right led to the formation of the Yitzhak Rabin government and the Oslo Accords.

Regarding the contentious issue of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription, Smotrich acknowledged the public's frustration, especially from reservists who served extensively during the war. He revealed that Haredi representatives had agreed to a plan that includes a target of drafting half of each cohort within five years, coupled with economic sanctions for non-compliance, such as withholding benefits for property taxes, daycare, housing, and public transportation. Smotrich insisted on public support from Haredi parties for the legislation and stressed the importance of creating supportive frameworks for Haredi recruits within the military and society.

Smotrich also criticized the election campaign of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, arguing that it focuses on transferring votes within the national camp rather than expanding its overall strength. He mentioned his own efforts to promote a broad union of parties to the right of the Likud, including reaching an agreement with Moshe Feiglin, and expressed a desire for cooperation with Ben-Gvir. Smotrich did not rule out expanding the coalition after the elections but stressed the necessity of a clear right-wing majority to prevent dependence on other parties and avoid potential reliance on Arab parties, citing the previous government as an example he opposes.