Smotrich: US Supports Judea and Samaria, Settlements
In an interview, Smotrich said the government has received “great support, full backing” from Washington, even if formal approval for applying Israeli sovereignty across all of Judea and Samaria has not yet been granted. He expressed hope that such backing would come in the future.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel’s actions in Judea and Samaria are being carried out in full coordination with the Trump administration, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
In an interview, Smotrich said the government has received “great support, full backing” from Washington, even if formal approval for applying Israeli sovereignty across all of Judea and Samaria has not yet been granted. He expressed hope that such backing would come in the future.
Smotrich also stressed that settlement expansion reflects official government policy and is fully supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Everything was passed by cabinet decisions and government decisions, with full coordination with him,” he said.
According to Smotrich, more than 51,000 housing units in Judea and Samaria have been approved for various stages of development since 2022. He argued that international opposition has diminished compared to previous years, when even small-scale construction drew widespread condemnation.
Addressing criticism from abroad, Smotrich said some countries opposing Israeli policy have been influenced by Islamist forces and are “standing on the wrong side of history.” He linked Arab populations in Gaza and Judea and Samaria to what he described as an Iranian-led “axis,” framing Israel’s actions as part of a broader regional struggle.
On allegations of extremist violence by settlers, Smotrich dismissed the issue as exaggerated, calling it “one of the biggest false campaigns,” and said such incidents are limited to a small fringe and handled through law enforcement channels.
Speaking after the reestablishment of the Sa-Nur community, he said additional settlements would follow and described the area as both a historic homeland and a necessary security buffer.
Smotrich also reiterated his call for Israel to prepare for full control of the Gaza Strip and to establish settlements there, arguing that the country must ensure defensible borders following the October 7 attacks.