Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Benjamin Netanyahu to “strengthen our grip and sovereignty” over the West Bank as the prime minister flies to Washington, DC, to meet with US President Donald Trump — whom Smotrich describes as “a lover of Israel.”
“A great deal is at stake – the complete victory in Gaza, the destruction of Hamas and the return of all our hostages, strengthening our security on all borders – in Syria, Lebanon, and of course against the head of the octopus, the Iranian regime and the nuclear threat. This danger must be removed,” Smotrich declares in a video message aimed at Netanyahu.
“We must strengthen our grip and sovereignty over the homeland in Judea and Samaria,” he says, using the biblical name for the West Bank.
From a position of strength, Israel is “making peace, forging alliances and strengthening its position,” he continues. “Mr. Prime Minister, the entire people of Israel are behind you. Thousands of years, many generations, hundreds of warriors who gave their lives for the victory in this war, the bereaved families and thousands of wounded IDF soldiers – all expect you to represent our position faithfully.”
Ahead of his flight this morning, Netanyahu declared that his meetings in the US capital “will deal with important, critical issues facing Israel and the region” and said that “working closely with President Trump,” Israel can redraw the “face of the Middle East” and “broaden the circle of peace.”
Benny Gantz, the leader of the opposition National Unity party, also wishes Netanyahu success on his trip, declaring that it is critical for Israel’s future.
“The meeting with President Trump is of paramount importance for advancing the return of all our hostages, coordinating the response to the Iranian challenge, expanding the circle of normalization, and removing Hamas rule,” Gantz tweets.