https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427098
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427128
Smotrich unveils development plan for Jerusalem at Flag March
Smotrich spoke with Arutz Sheva during the Flag March and described a new government decision aimed at strengthening the city in infrastructure, tourism and innovation.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took part in the Flag March in Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day, and spoke with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News about the day's celebrations and plans to strengthen the capital.
Smotrich described the atmosphere in Jerusalem, "an atmosphere of great joy", and said that it is a day that expresses love for Jerusalem and broad unity. He said that during the day he visited several sites in the city, including Ateret Kohanim, Beit Orot and the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva.
The finance minister noted that the government is advancing for the fourth year a dedicated government decision to strengthen Jerusalem. He said that under the decision investments are planned for infrastructure, tourism, the development of the Old City area and the City of David, as well as the establishment of an artificial intelligence complex at the entrance to the city with an investment of tens of millions of shekels.
He said the goal is to strengthen Jerusalem as Israel's capital and as a national and spiritual center. He added that Jerusalem continues to develop alongside the development of the State of Israel as a whole.
Addressing the nature of the Jerusalem Day celebrations, Smotrich said that efforts should be made so that the day becomes the preserve of broader segments of Israeli society. He said that the national-religious public is particularly identified with the day's celebrations, but that Jerusalem belongs to the entire public in Israel.
He also said that Jerusalem represents the heart of the State of Israel and that alongside Jerusalem there are also Judea and Samaria, the Negev, the Galilee and Gush Dan as parts of one whole. He said that Israel will not be divided again, not in Jerusalem nor in any other part of the country. Smotrich emphasized that Jerusalem Day is first and foremost a day of gratitude and prayer, and noted that the celebrations include saying the Hallel prayer and giving thanks for the reunification of the city.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427098
Smotrich: Erase Areas A, B, and C of Samaria
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at Jerusalem Day event at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, noting achievements in Judea and Samaria and laying out a new vision.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich spoke at the central Jerusalem Day celebration at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, presenting his his diplomatic vision for the continued development of the settlements and called for a fundamental change in the administration of Judea and Samaria.
"Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda taught us that the meaning of the Jerusalem Talmud’s statement that Jerusalem is more sanctified than the Land of Israel is not only in the sense of superiority - that the sanctity of Jerusalem is greater than that of the Land of Israel - but in the sense of ‘from within’: from within the sanctity of the Land of Israel, the sanctity of Jerusalem appears."
Regarding the government’s actions in the field of settlement, Smotrich said, "Since the start of the term, we have been leading a revolution for the honor of the Land of Israel. We normalized all the young settlements and approved more than 100 new communities in Judea and Samaria, including a historic correction of the injustice of the expulsion from northern Samaria. We returned to Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim."
"Over the past three years, we approved 60,000 housing units in Judea and Samaria. The People of Israel are returning home - this time forever."
Referring to the administrative structure in Judea and Samaria, Smotrich said, "The time has come for us to forever erase the lines distinguishing between Areas B, A, and C. This week I placed a detailed plan on the Cabinet table, and from here I call on the Prime Minister to adopt it. The entire Land of Israel is ours."
Regarding the state of the war, he said: "For two-and-a-half years already, we have been in the midst of a difficult and long war, a war that is also exacting heavy prices from us, but also bringing great achievements on all fronts. We eliminated [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar, [Hamas leader Ismail] Haniyeh, [Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei, [Hamas military chief Mohammed] Deif, and [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah."
Smotrich also praised the law to bring Hamas' Nukhba terrorists to trial, stressing, "This week we finally passed in the Knesset the law to put the Nukhba terrorists on trial, sponsored by MK Simcha Rothman - the law that will ensure that soon they too will reach hell. We still have work left on all fronts. The Six Day War, which returned us to Jerusalem in a glorious victory, did not end the wars, either. But even now, the State of Israel is stronger than ever, and its enemies are weaker than ever."
Smotrich also praised Israel’s economic strength, noting that despite fighting on seven fronts, the shekel is strengthening and the stock market is breaking records: "In the economy as well, we are privileged to see the fulfillment of the prophecies. From a country of refugees with an austerity regime and shortages - to an economic power. While fighting a war on seven fronts, the shekel is strengthening, the stock market is breaking records, and foreign investments are flowing into the country. As the prophet said: 'But you, O mountains of Israel, shall yield your produce and bear your fruit for My people Israel, for their return is near (Ezekiel 36:8).'"
In conclusion, he said: "The spiritual engine of our entire national revival enterprise is the Torah that our teacher, Rabbi Kook of blessed memory, bequeathed to us here, between these walls. It is a Torah that does not shut itself within its own four cubits, but illuminates the mundane with holiness; that combines the book and the sword; and that sees the physical building of the land - in cranes, tractors, and homes - as an inseparable part of the revelation of the Divine Presence in Zion. Tonight we celebrate the miracle, and tomorrow we continue the work, by building, and by planting! The nation of Israel lives on."
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/427128