Israel’s right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his overwhelming and comprehensive victory. According to the right-wing politician, Trump’s victory also brings important opportunities for the State of Israel.
Speaking at a meeting of the Religious Zionism Party on November 11, Smotrich pledged to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank by 2025. He has ordered the directors of settlement affairs at the Ministry of Defense and Civil Administration to prepare the necessary infrastructure to implement sovereignty.
“The year 2025 will be, with God’s help, the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” the right-wing minister said. It uses the biblical name for the occupied West Bank.
The international community generally considers settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, where some 720,000 Israelis live, to be illegal and an obstacle to peace.
Smotrich, along with other settler leaders, is counting on Trump to continue the pro-settler positions he took during his first term as president.
During the first Trump administration, the US recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, broke with much of the international community by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, and brokered a series of normalization deals between Israel and several Arab countries. (TRT World/Z-2)
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**Interview with Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Minister of Finance**
*News Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Minister Smotrich. The recent elections in the United States have resulted in former President Donald Trump winning again. What are your thoughts on this development, especially in relation to Israel’s policies?
*Bezalel Smotrich:* Thank you for having me. Former President Trump has been a stalwart supporter of Israel, and his administration was pivotal in fostering strong bilateral relations. I believe his return could potentially reinforce our strategic partnership and embolden our stance in the region.
*News Editor:* Your administration has expressed intentions to expand settlements in the West Bank. Could you explain the rationale behind this expansion?
*Bezalel Smotrich:* The expansion of settlements is crucial for the security and continuity of the Jewish state. It is about ensuring that Jewish communities flourish in their historic homeland. We see it as a moral and national imperative, and we are committed to pursuing policies that reflect that.
*News Editor:* Some critics argue that settlement expansion could hinder the peace process and escalate tensions with the Palestinians. How do you respond to these concerns?
*Bezalel Smotrich:* Peace is fundamentally tied to security. We believe that strengthening our presence in Judea and Samaria is a step towards not only ensuring security for Israelis but also creating a more stable environment for all people in the region. It is essential to remember that our rights to this land are rooted in history, and we will not waver in fulfilling our national obligations.
*News Editor:* Looking ahead, what are your expectations for U.S.-Israel relations under Trump’s leadership?
*Bezalel Smotrich:* I hope we can build upon the successes of the past and address new challenges together. The alignment of our values and interests under Trump’s presidency could lead to significant advancements in areas like security collaboration and economic ties.
*News Editor:* Thank you, Minister Smotrich, for sharing your insights with us today.
*Bezalel Smotrich:* Thank you for having me. It’s important to have these discussions as we navigate the future together.
