Finance Minister Smotrich Warns of Dangerous Left Government If Right Fails in Upcoming Elections

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich delivered a combative speech at the National Camp conference of the Tekuma movement in Tel Aviv Expo. He declared the upcoming elections as decisive for Israel's future and identity, framing the choice as between a national right-wing government and a dangerous left-wing government. Smotrich emphasized that for the first time in 38 years, the right-wing government will soon face a public confidence test, dismissing media predictions of its collapse and asserting that the government has stood firm against internal and external challenges.

Highlighting the outgoing government's achievements, Smotrich focused on judicial reforms and settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria. He noted the recent approval of the law splitting the roles of the Attorney General, a move he described as restoring balance between branches of government and constituting a genuine judicial reform. He also claimed leadership in an unprecedented revolution in settlement policy, stating, "We are eliminating the idea of a Palestinian state."

Addressing economic matters, Smotrich rejected criticism of his performance as Finance Minister, asserting that despite the costly war, Israel’s economy remains robust. He cited tax cuts for reservists and the middle class, reforms against banking exploitation, record highs in the shekel and stock market, and increased foreign investment as evidence of responsible government management.

In a sharp warning, Smotrich accused Knesset member Gadi Eizenkot and the so-called "state camp" of negotiating with international actors to make territorial concessions. He claimed that "the Eizenkot government would establish a Palestinian terror state in the heart of Israel" and accused the left-wing of attempting to reverse key achievements in Judea and Samaria. Smotrich concluded by urging Religious Zionism voters to reject hatred and intimidation, and to ensure the formation of a true right-wing government in the upcoming elections, stressing that the outcome is in their hands.

Summary: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned at a Tel Aviv conference that Israel’s upcoming elections will determine whether a national right-wing government or a dangerous left-wing government will lead the country, emphasizing judicial reforms, settlement expansion, and economic resilience under his leadership, while accusing opponents of seeking territorial concessions.

Points: - Smotrich calls upcoming elections decisive between right-wing national government and dangerous left-wing government. - He highlights judicial reforms, including splitting Attorney General roles, as restoring government balance. - Smotrich claims leadership in unprecedented settlement expansion, rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state. - Despite war costs, he asserts Israel’s economy is strong with tax cuts and record market performance. - He accuses Gadi Eizenkot and the state camp of negotiating territorial concessions with international actors. - Smotrich urges Religious Zionism voters to ensure a true right-wing government forms after elections.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people": ["Bezalel Smotrich", "Gadi Eizenkot", "Simcha Rothman"], "organizations": ["Religious Zionism", "Tekuma movement", "Knesset"], "places": ["Tel Aviv", "Judea and Samaria", "Israel"]}