Former Minister Haim Ramon Praises Smotrich's Annexation Efforts, Calls for 15 Knesset Seats

Former Israeli minister Haim Ramon praised the Religious Zionist Party for advancing a significant annexation agenda during the current government’s four-year term. Speaking on the "Shomer Saf" podcast with journalist Nissim Sofer, Ramon credited Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich with leading the most extensive annexation actions in the West Bank in recent years. Ramon stated that if his own views aligned with Smotrich’s, he would support the party receiving at least 15 Knesset seats.

Ramon emphasized Smotrich’s unique role as the minister responsible for the territories, noting that he achieved remarkable results independently of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Regarding Smotrich’s recent statements about the Settlement Division’s readiness to establish three new communities in the northern West Bank, Ramon highlighted that Smotrich also proposed settlements in the Gaza Strip, a plan that received little public debate.

Additionally, Ramon commented on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s stance against illegal outposts, acknowledging Bennett’s opposition to unlawful actions as principled. Ramon’s remarks underscore ongoing political dynamics around settlement expansion and annexation within the current Israeli government coalition.