Smotrich: US supports Israeli West Bank settlement expansion - interview

In a candid interview with The Jerusalem Post, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted that Israel's advancement of settlement expansion in the West Bank proceeds with unequivocal backing from the United States. This declaration comes as Israel observes its 78th Independence Day, a period often marked by discussions on national sovereignty. Smotrich, who heads the Settlements Administration, highlighted a significant shift from previous US administrations, noting "full coordination and full backing from the government and the current US administration for everything related to construction, regulation, and security in the West Bank." He specifically mentioned coordination with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, expressing hope for eventual Israeli sovereignty over the entire West Bank. Smotrich underscored that these actions are not unilateral, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fully supports his initiatives, emphasizing that "This is the policy of our government. I lead it, but I have full backing from everyone." He reiterated the deep connection between Judea and Samaria and the Jewish people, deeming them critical for Israel's security. This perspective, while aligning with right-wing Israeli political discourse, stands in contrast to the international condemnation often faced by such expansionist policies, positioning the article as a reflection of a specific national viewpoint on territorial control and US relations.

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Israel had “full coordination and full backing from the government and the current US administration for everything related to construction, regulation, and security in the West Bank.”