Smotrich Challenges Gadi Eizenkot to Reject Palestinian State and Foreign Interference

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply criticized international condemnation, particularly from the British Foreign Secretary, regarding Israel's approval of construction plans in the E1 area of the West Bank. Smotrich declared his intent to dismantle the idea of a Palestinian state and connect Jerusalem with Ma'ale Adumim, calling Jerusalem "our eternal capital." He emphasized that the British Mandate has ended and Israel will not bow to foreign threats or sanctions, asserting Israel's historical and biblical rights to the land and the need to remove existential threats to its citizens.

Simultaneously, Smotrich addressed Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party and a potential prime minister candidate, with pointed questions about his policies on Judea and Samaria. Speaking from the northern Samaria settlement of Kadim, which was evacuated 21 years ago and is now being resettled by Jews, Smotrich asked if Eizenkot would fully condemn foreign governments' interference, commit to continuing construction in E1, maintain existing settlements and farms in the West Bank, and reject the establishment of a Palestinian state during his tenure.

Smotrich's remarks reflect ongoing tensions within Israeli politics over settlement expansion and the future of the West Bank, as well as resistance to international pressure on these issues. The exchange highlights the political stakes ahead of potential leadership changes and policy directions regarding Israeli sovereignty and settlement activity in contested areas.