Democrats Chair Golan Sparks Outrage with Settlement Evacuation Remarks, Smotrich Warns of Settlement Revolution Reversal

On Monday, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, ignited a fierce political controversy by stating in an interview that Israeli outposts and settlements could be evacuated as soon as the next morning. He claimed he could reach agreements on this issue with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

This statement provoked a sharp response from Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich, who accused Golan of revealing a coordinated plan by the center-left camp to dismantle settlements. Smotrich warned that if Eizenkot were to become prime minister, "the settlement revolution would be erased and a terror state would be just around the corner." This reflects deep right-wing fears of a potential alternative government taking steps against settlements in Judea and Samaria.

Golan has previously criticized members of the current coalition, condemning those who violate Supreme Court rulings and undermine the rule of law. Meanwhile, tensions between Smotrich and the ultra-Orthodox parties have escalated. Finance Committee Chairman Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism harshly attacked Smotrich during a heated committee session, blaming him and the Tax Authority head for removing tax benefits (Section 46) from ultra-Orthodox institutions.

In response, United Torah Judaism took the unusual step of blocking approval of tax benefits for nonprofits, removing the issue from the Finance Committee agenda and signaling a serious coalition rift. MK Yaakov Asher also warned Smotrich that the next legal moves might target tax benefits for settler and messianic organizations, calling it a dangerous slippery slope.

Smotrich thus faces a dual crisis: confrontation with the center-left over settlements and an internal coalition dispute with the ultra-Orthodox, highlighting the fragile political situation of the current government. While warning against a settlement evacuation under a potential alternative government, Smotrich must also manage escalating tensions within the coalition that threaten its stability.