Israeli Minister Smotrich Warns Right Against Complacency to Avoid Oslo-Like Disaster

Israeli Finance and Defense Ministry Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, issued a stern warning to right-wing voters in an interview with Channel 7. He cautioned that complacency and internal divisions within the right could lead Israel back to the dangerous path of the Oslo Accords, which he described as a existential disaster for the country. Smotrich emphasized that while there is some justified criticism of the current government, the greater risk lies in allowing a left-wing government to return to power, which he associates with territorial concessions and weakening Israel’s Jewish identity.

Smotrich criticized former military chief Gadi Eizenkot and former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan for their left-wing security and political views, including support for territorial withdrawals and the concept of a Palestinian state. He warned that a left-wing government would enact a liberal constitution reflecting judicial activism and could undermine Israel’s democratic and Jewish character. He urged right-wing voters to unite and avoid fragmenting their political power, recalling how splits in 1992 contributed to the Oslo Accords and ongoing security challenges.

The minister also revealed knowledge of foreign actors from the European Union and the U.S. Democratic Party collaborating with Israeli left-wing groups to undermine the current right-wing government’s achievements. He stressed the importance of educating young voters about the dangers of left-wing rule, citing historical events like the disengagement from Gush Katif and media closures.

Smotrich highlighted the government’s accomplishments, including a shift in Israel’s security doctrine, significant actions against Hamas and Iranian proxies, and a settlement expansion revolution in the West Bank. He acknowledged some government shortcomings but insisted the alternative of left-wing rule is far more dangerous. Looking ahead to upcoming elections, he expressed confidence that his party could win 8 to 10 Knesset seats and called for responsible leadership to prevent vote-splitting that could benefit the left.

He concluded by urging the right-wing public not to punish themselves for government flaws but to vote decisively to prevent a left-wing return to power, which he equated with renewed violence and national trauma stemming from the Oslo era.