“President Trump’s plan, presented yesterday, is the true response to October 7,” said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday. “Those responsible for the horrific massacre on our land will face the permanent loss of their own.”
In February 2023, in addition to his role as finance minister, Smotrich was given significant authority over the administration of Area C of Judea and Samaria, where, according to the Oslo deal, Israel is both the civilian and military ruler. His mandate includes expanding settlements and integrating their governance with that of pre-1967, “Green-Line” Israel.
In 2023, following an Arab attack on Jewish settlers, Smotrich called for “striking the cities of terror and their instigators without mercy, using tanks and helicopters.” He also stated that Israel should act “in a way that conveys that the master of the house has gone crazy” to instill fear in the hearts of Arab terrorists and terror mongers.
On November 14, 2023, Smotrich advocated for the “voluntary emigration” of Arabs from the Gaza Strip to other countries, asserting that Israel could “no longer accept the existence of an independent entity in Gaza.” This idea was matched almost word for word on Tuesday night by President Trump, at his press conference with the visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Now, with God’s help, we will work to finally bury the dangerous idea of a Palestinian state,” Smotrich said on Wednesday. “After what we saw and heard yesterday from President Trump, we owe a great thank you—and far more than just kind words—to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and to Minister Dermer––who has been a key figure in Israel-US relations for many years.”
“When I chose to remain in the government despite my opposition to the hostage deal, and when I decided to uphold the right-wing government, I explained that I was convinced of the deep commitment of the Minister of Defense and my fellow cabinet members to achieving total victory and the destruction of Hamas,” Smotrich explained, adding, “My decision was based on a deep understanding of the behind-the-scenes developments in recent months and my direct involvement in shaping our strategy for continuing the campaign on all fronts. Believe me, this is just the beginning.”
“I hope and believe that the people of Israel now better understand the importance of maintaining the right-wing government and not weakening it. With Hashem’s help, great opportunities lie ahead,” Smotrich said.
