Eisenkot's Plan to Bring Palestinian Workers Sparks Fierce Attack from Smotrich

Finance Minister and Minister in the Ministry of Defense Bezalel Smotrich fiercely attacked Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, following reports that Eisenkot intends to allow tens of thousands of Palestinian laborers from Judea and Samaria to work in Israel. Eisenkot also stated his intention to cancel the role of the additional minister in the Ministry of Defense, currently held by Smotrich, and to reinstate administrative orders.

Smotrich warned that Eisenkot's proposed changes would dismantle the "settlement revolution" he has advanced in Judea and Samaria, potentially endangering Israel's security and leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He accused Eisenkot of planning to revert control of settlers to military administration, thereby undermining their rights and the achievements of the settlement movement.

Smotrich's remarks, made during a press conference on Thursday, were in response to statements Eisenkot allegedly made at an election event the previous evening. Eisenkot reportedly stated his plan to bring 60,000 to 70,000 Palestinian workers into Israel and to reverse administrative policies implemented under Smotrich's purview.

Smotrich asserted that Eisenkot's declarations validate his recent warnings about the potential policies of the Yisrael Beiteinu party if it were to gain power. He concluded by urging voters to support his party, the Religious Zionism party, to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state and safeguard Israel's security.