Smotrich at the Olam Katan Conference: "We Don't Gamble with National Security"

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned at the Olam Katan conference against losing right-wing votes to parties he says won't pass the electoral threshold, and criticized the continued candidacy of Ofer Winter and Noam. He identified the judicial system, Haredi conscription, the Negev and the Galilee as the next battles, and said the defense portfolio is an important role but expressed a preference to remain in the Finance Ministry.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich appeared at the Olam Katan conference, less than 48 hours before the elections, and warned against apathy in the right-wing camp and against losing votes to parties he says won't pass the electoral threshold. Smotrich pointed to Ofer Winter and the Noam party as factors causing a split that could lead to the loss of tens of thousands of votes and the transfer of power to the left. He called for voting only for parties that pass the electoral threshold. Smotrich also referred to the judicial system as one of the central arenas of the next term, saying that many appointments are expected to the Supreme Court, Attorney General, and State Prosecutor, and therefore the election results will have a long-term impact. He called for a fundamental change in the role of the Attorney General, who he said should advise and not make decisions on behalf of the government. On the issue of Haredi conscription, he said he would demand change from the Haredi parties, while preserving Torah scholars but starting to draft those who do not study. Regarding the defense portfolio, he said he had gained experience in the cabinet, but clarified that he would be happy to remain in the Finance Ministry if he also received the Israel Land Authority and the Planning Administration, in order to advance the 'Judaization of the Galilee and Negev'.