Eisenkot declared he is a 'big supporter of settlement' – and now changes direction

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot previously declared he is a big supporter of strengthening settlement in Judea and Samaria, but in a new interview he clarifies that his support is limited to the "settlement blocs" only, opposes construction in E-1 in Ma'ale Adumim, and claims that advancing the plan stems from political and coalition pressures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded harshly.

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot previously declared he is a big supporter of strengthening settlement in Judea and Samaria. However, in a new interview with Makor Rishon to be published tomorrow (Friday), he clarifies that his support is limited to the "settlement blocs" only – a term common among supporters of withdrawals from Judea and Samaria. Eisenkot opposes construction in the E-1 area in Ma'ale Adumim, which the government approved, and claims that advancing the plan stems from political and coalition pressures, not national considerations. According to him, Netanyahu blocked construction in E-1 for 17 years due to international considerations, and continuing to advance it now is a mistake that costs Israel a heavy international price. Yashar party, he says, will consider national and security interests and will not allow narrow political considerations to take priority. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded harshly, accusing Eisenkot of succumbing to international pressures and committing to Europeans to stop the "revolution" in Judea and Samaria, and called not to gamble at the ballot box and to go safe with Religious Zionism. The article presents a contrast between Eisenkot's past statements and his current position, while emphasizing criticism from the right.