Smotrich Vows to Prevent Arab Celebrations, Cites Settlement Goals
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, vowed on election night to prevent Arab celebrations, linking them to a perceived attempt to halt Israeli settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria and Gaza. He also pledged continued action against Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority. Smotrich reiterated his party's stance against political cooperation with Arab parties that do not condemn the October 7th massacre or designate Hamas as a terrorist group.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Bezalel Smotrich vowed to prevent Arab celebrations and continue settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria.
- Smotrich stated his party will establish communities in the Gaza Strip.
- He pledged to dismantle Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority.
- Smotrich declared parties not condemning Oct. 7 or calling Hamas terrorists are illegitimate.
- The Religious Zionism party was projected to win 5-7 seats in the election.
Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, delivered a victory speech at the party's headquarters on election night, as initial projections showed the party winning between 5 and 7 seats. Addressing party activists, Smotrich declared, "I see that the Arabs are celebrating tonight. I announce to you and to them, we will not let them celebrate." He asserted that their celebrations stem from a belief they can halt the "settlement revolution" in Judea and Samaria and prevent the establishment of communities in the Gaza Strip, stating, "They will not succeed. We will establish communities in the Gaza Strip."
Smotrich also addressed perceived Israeli retreats in Lebanon, urging a reconsideration of such beliefs and vowing to continue efforts towards the complete dismantling of Hezbollah and Hamas. He further committed to actions aimed at dismantling the Palestinian Authority and achieving a decisive outcome in Judea and Samaria. Regarding the possibility of forming a government that includes Arab parties, Smotrich recalled his party's past opposition to political cooperation with what he termed the "sister movement of the Muslim Brotherhood."
He emphasized that parties unable to condemn the October 7th massacre or define Hamas as a terrorist organization are not legitimate players in Israeli politics. Smotrich stated, "This was our responsibility and so it shall remain."
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