Benzi Lieberman Says Settlement Future Is Strong Despite Extremist Violence

In a new Channel 7 podcast, Benzi Lieberman reviews how Israeli society has changed since October 7 and says he remains optimistic about the future of the settlement movement, despite worrying activity on the far right. Lieberman, a former head of the Samaria Regional Council, former chairman of the Yesha Council and former head of the Israel Land Authority, now a partner at Amit Hadad’s law firm and chairman of the Shilo Forum, speaks at length about Israel’s postwar mood and the state of Judea and Samaria.

He says the October 7 massacre and the Iron Swords war prompted deep soul-searching among Israelis, and argues that reservists have shown exceptional commitment. “300,000 reservists gave their lives and are still giving for everyone,” he says, adding that people are asking why they are willing to sacrifice for the country. In his view, the gap between soldiers’ attitudes and the political and media discourse reflects a broader generational shift. He also says the current war would not have lasted this long in 1982, and that the public wants to continue while protecting security, sovereignty and unity.

Lieberman credits Finance Minister and Defense Ministry Minister Bezalel Smotrich with major institutional and infrastructure changes, saying powers were transferred to civilian hands and that roads built to avoid Palestinian towns and villages became “the new arteries” of settlement growth. He also looks back at the 2005 disengagement and says then-prime minister Ariel Sharon made a shocking 180-degree turn, even though he had earlier helped shape strategic settlement points in Judea and Samaria.

On violence by extremist fringes, Lieberman says attacks on local residents and IDF soldiers have caused “terrible damage” to settlement, and insists there must be zero tolerance. He says most hilltop youth and farm activists are decent people, but the violent outliers must be removed. He says he pressed Rabbi Yaakov Medan and settler leader Zambish on the issue in recent years after hearing reports of attacks on Arabs and soldiers.

Looking ahead, Lieberman says Judea and Samaria should be treated as a normal part of Israel and developed as a major housing solution. He argues that new cities there could help address the national housing shortage and significantly lower prices, because the area has enough land for decades. The interview is hosted by Uzzi Baruch and is also available on Spotify.