Smotrich urges Netanyahu to formally reject Palestinian state idea

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized at a Tzionut Datit faction meeting that Israel should respond to the potential unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state abroad with its own unilateral actions.

"I urge the prime minister to declare Israel's rejection of the idea of ​​a Palestinian state. In response to unilateral recognition, we should consider ending Palestinian autonomy and scrapping the Oslo agreements," Smotrich stated.

He highlighted that the ongoing conflict has specific political objectives, including incentivizing the departure from Gaza of individuals he labeled as supporters of terrorism. "Reducing the number of Judeophobes and Israel haters in Gaza is one of our aims," added the Tzionut Datit leader.

Smotrich's address notably omitted any mention of potential negotiations for the release of abducted individuals or the upcoming vote on stripping MP Ofer Cassif of his parliamentary mandate.