Exclusive: Disagreements in the Cabinet Over Smotrich's Settlement Proposal in Area B

In a cabinet meeting following the attack near Havat Gilad, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed establishing a new settlement outpost in Area B, in violation of the Oslo Accords. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Katz, and Minister Sa'ar opposed the proposal, which was subsequently rejected. Smotrich then demanded an expansion of IDF operations in the villages from which the attackers originated.

In a meeting of the limited cabinet on Friday, following the severe attack near Havat Gilad, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed establishing a new settlement outpost in Area B, in violation of the Oslo Accords. The proposal aimed to create a security continuum between Har Brakha, Yitzhar, and Kedumim. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar opposed it, arguing that the international damage would outweigh the benefits. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz supported the opposition, and the proposal was dropped. In response, Smotrich demanded an expansion of IDF operations in the villages from which the attackers originated, similar to operations in refugee camps in the West Bank. Meanwhile, families from Havat Gilad whose homes were burned established a new outpost named "Tel Binyahu" after Staff Sergeant Binyahu Melt, who was killed in the attack. Heads of local councils in the West Bank called for a change in the approach to open areas in Areas A and B.