Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently made remarks about preventing the occupied West Bank from becoming part of an independent Palestinian state, as revealed in leaked audio of a speech he delivered earlier this month. Smotrich, a prominent far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, emphasized the importance of developing Jewish settlements as a strategy to deter the establishment of a Palestinian state that could pose a threat to Israel's security.
The leaked transcript and audio of Smotrich's speech were provided by the Israeli NGO Peace Now, which had a representative present during the event. Smotrich, who resides in a settlement himself, has long been an advocate for expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, despite international condemnation of such actions as illegal under international law.
While Israel's Supreme Court defines its control over the West Bank as a temporary military occupation rather than formal annexation, Smotrich has been vocal in opposing the creation of an independent Palestinian state. His office confirmed the occurrence of the speech, stating that the goal of preventing a potential terrorist state within Israel was a key focus of the event.
Smotrich highlighted the structural changes he is leading within the Ministry of Defense and the Settlement Directorate to facilitate the orderly development of settlements in the West Bank. He emphasized the need for strategic planning and infrastructure improvements, such as mass transit and road systems, to encourage further settlement in the region.
In his speech, Smotrich mentioned his efforts to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu to support the establishment of a civilian administration in the West Bank, noting the Prime Minister's eventual alignment with their objectives. As more countries advocate for an independent Palestinian state, Smotrich underscored the significance of enhancing settlement activities as a means of solidifying Israeli presence in the West Bank.
Despite ongoing international calls for a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel has continued to expand settlements in the West Bank over the years, in defiance of previous peace agreements such as the Oslo Accords. The government's official stance maintains that the status of the West Bank remains subject to future negotiations.
