Israel's Minister Pushes for Stronger Borders and Big Changes

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister and a key figure in the Defense Ministry, has outlined a bold vision for the country's future security.

Key Points from Smotrich's Address

• Defensible Borders: Smotrich emphasized the need for "defensible borders" during a recent meeting in Jerusalem.
• Critical Areas: He highlighted three key regions: Gaza, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria.
• Preventing Future Attacks: In response to the October 7, 2023 attack, Smotrich proposed:
• Abandoning the Oslo Accords.
• Taking control of Judea and Samaria.
• Disbanding the Palestinian Authority.
• Collecting all weapons in the area.

Ongoing Threats and Discussions

Despite Israel's successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, Smotrich warns that threats remain. He and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been actively discussing these issues.

Upcoming Meeting with Trump

• Date: December 29
• Location: Trump's home in Florida
• Significance: This will be Netanyahu's sixth meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

Implications

These developments signal Israel's serious consideration of its future security and the critical role the U.S. plays in the region.