The chairman of Religious Zionism, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opened his faction's meeting this afternoon (Monday) with an appeal to the Prime Minister ahead of his upcoming meeting with the US President.
""The message that needs to be heard there is clear and unequivocal - the State of Israel will not be able to move to the next stage, neither political nor security, as long as the body of Ran Gweily has not been returned to Israel's grave, and as long as the terrorist organization Hamas continues to exist, arm itself, and dream of our destruction. There is not and will not be a reality in which those who committed the worst atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust will remain on their feet. There will be no real respite, and there will be no real security, until Hamas is completely dismantled and loses its ability to threaten the citizens of Israel.".
Continuing his remarks, Smotrich called on Netanyahu: "We promised a complete victory and we must bring it. This victory is not only a reinforcement of our national security, but also a statement that will resonate for many years to come - that the people of Israel are not to be messed with and those who think of harming us are destroyed. Mr. Prime Minister, the entire people of Israel are behind you. Stand firm. Our prayer to the Lord of the worlds that whatever you desire will succeed.".
He then referred to domestic threats, and especially what he defined as a serious threat in the south: "And now it must be said in no uncertain terms - after incredible achievements in foreign arenas in this war, the greatest threat today to the security of Israeli citizens is the enemy within. The images and events from the Negev in recent days must ring all our warning bells, reminding us of the existence of tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of illegal weapons in the hands of criminal and terrorist organizations in Arab society, including the most advanced and deadly means of sabotage.".
According to him, this is a nationalist threat that is escalating rapidly: "Among the Arabs of Israel there is a kind of dangerous terrorist army that in one moment goes from criminal to nationalist and turns October 7 into a small money.".
Smotrich explained that the government has already invested many resources in the fight against crime: "In recent years, we have invested many billions in strengthening the police, we have given them all the tools, and now it is their turn to collect illegal weapons, eradicate crime and delinquency, and restore security to the citizens of Israel. In the Negev, the people of Israel will be tested. In Tarabin, the Israel Police will be tested.".
He then addressed the economic situation: "The State of Israel continues to make progress on the economic front as well. The Israeli economy is strong. It has proven itself in the most difficult times, and I am proud to lead it during this time. At the same time, I know very well that the cost of living still weighs heavily on the citizens of Israel.".
He added that there are forces that prefer to maintain the status quo.
""I say honestly: For many years, deep distortions have been created here. Monopolies, barriers, powerful interests - all together have ensured that prices remain high. Those who benefit from this situation are in no hurry to give it up, and not everyone is happy to see me determined to dismantle these mechanisms. But I will not shy away. I did not come to the position to maintain the existing one, but to change it.".
According to him, the government is already acting with practical tools: "The milk reform, the deposit reform, the tax exemption on personal imports up to $150, and the tax on banks - all of these are clear steps in one direction: to lower prices, increase competition, and return power to citizens.".
He pledged: "We will continue to fight the cost of living with all our might. We will prove that it is possible otherwise. It is possible to live in a safe, strong and just country and it can be cheap here.".
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
