Smotrich prepares for sovereignty drive ahead of Trump inauguration

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also manages the Defense Ministry’s civilian administration in Judea and Samaria, declared on Monday that he had instructed his staff to start developing the “necessary infrastructure” to extend Israeli sovereignty to the disputed territories.

President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in last week’s election “brings an important opportunity for the State of Israel,” Smotrich declared at a meeting of his Religious Zionism Party at the Knesset in Jerusalem.The minister told lawmakers he intends to table a government decision stating that Israel will “work with the new administration of President Trump and the international community to apply sovereignty and achieve American and international recognition.”

Next year will be “the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” stated Smotrich, adding that Trump, “who showed courage and determination during his first term, will support the State of Israel in this move.”  (Read More)