Finance Minister Smotrich Blames Left-Wing Incitement for Car Attack in Gush Etzion

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich addressed the recent attempted vehicular attack targeting pioneers at a farm in Gush Etzion. He attributed the incident to an incitement campaign led by Democratic Party head Yair Golan and other left-wing figures. Smotrich called on the President of Israel to condemn the violence and urged opposition leaders, including Yair Golan, Gadi Eizenkot, and Naftali Bennett, to retract their statements about plans to evacuate the farms after the elections. He emphasized the need for these leaders to clarify their positions regarding the attack and the settlers involved, warning that any other response would amount to permitting further bloodshed of the farm pioneers.

The attack occurred earlier near the Gush Etzion junction, where a far-left activist deliberately ran over a farm owner. The suspect was detained by police for questioning, and his vehicle was confiscated. Smotrich's remarks followed this incident, highlighting the ongoing tensions and political disputes surrounding settlement activities in the West Bank region.

This development adds to the volatile security situation in the area, with political leaders being called upon to take responsibility for their rhetoric and its potential consequences. The investigation into the attack continues as authorities seek to prevent further violence.