Former Labor Leader Praises Smotrich and Religious Zionists for Transforming West Bank Settlement Growth

Nati Malchi, a longtime resident of the West Bank settlement Ofra, highlights the significant changes occurring in Judea and Samaria, crediting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionist Party for driving a major settlement expansion. Malchi points to a recent podcast appearance by former Labor Party leader Haim Ramon, who unusually praised Smotrich’s policies, stating that if he shared Smotrich’s views, he would expect "at least fifteen mandates." Ramon described the current government’s actions in the West Bank as the most extensive annexation efforts Israel has seen there, with Smotrich achieving what no one else has.

Ramon, once a prominent voice on the Israeli left, acknowledged the sweeping changes in the region, marking a departure from decades of slow development and restrictions. Malchi corroborates this firsthand, describing the transformation of key roads like Route 60 into multi-lane highways and the proliferation of young settlers establishing farms and communities, often marked by Israeli flags on hillsides.

The article contrasts past hardships, including demolitions and severe limitations on construction, with the current "growth vitamin on steroids" fueling rapid settlement expansion. Malchi emphasizes that this progress results from deliberate government decisions, budgets, legislation, and public work, largely driven by Smotrich and his party.

Despite occasional disagreements with their style or tactics, Malchi calls for recognition of the Religious Zionist Party’s role in shaping the future map of Israel in Judea and Samaria. He concludes by urging gratitude toward these leaders, echoing Ramon’s acknowledgment of this historic shift and thanking them for fulfilling the trust placed in them by settlers and supporters alike.