Smotrich seizes on Eisenkot ally's remarks to warn of evacuations from Judea and Samaria

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that the Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria would be endangered if the opposition won the upcoming national elections. His comments followed remarks by Yoram Cohen, a Knesset candidate for Gadi Eisenkot's party, who stated on Channel 12's "Meet the Press" that he is against structures "illegal or not built with a government decision in advance and according to planning." Smotrich interpreted Cohen's statement as a threat to dismantle recently established Jewish sites, urging right-wing parties to unite to prevent this outcome. Cohen, however, clarified that he believes a Palestinian state is a security threat and not realistic, and that Eisenkot has not advocated for a two-state solution.