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Smotrich Unveils Plan to Increase Jewish Population in Arab-Majority Areas

Created at 27 Aug · 4:45 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a plan to significantly increase the Jewish population in the Negev and Galilee regions, aiming for one million new Jewish residents and 40 new settlements. The proposal also includes canceling existing plans in Arab settlements.

Key Numbers

1 millionadditional Jews targeted for Negev and Galilee
40new settlements planned

Who's Involved

Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli Finance Minister and leader of Religious Zionism party
Religious Zionism
Party proposing the plan for Negev and Galilee

↳ Why This Matters

The plan proposed by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to increase Jewish settlement in Arab-majority areas could exacerbate ethnic tensions and has significant implications for the political landscape and future demographics of Israel.

Key facts

  • Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a plan to increase the Jewish population in the Negev and Galilee.
  • The plan aims to add one million Jews to these regions.
  • It includes the establishment of 40 new settlements and the expansion of existing ones.
  • Hundreds of thousands of housing units are planned.
  • Smotrich intends to cancel existing plans in Arab settlements.
  • The proposal comes from his party, Religious Zionism, ahead of Israeli elections.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unveiled a plan on Thursday from his Religious Zionism party aimed at significantly increasing the Jewish population in the Negev and Galilee regions, areas with substantial Arab-Israeli populations. Smotrich stated the goal is to bring "one million additional Jews" to the Negev and Galilee, establish 40 new settlements, and expand existing ones, alongside constructing hundreds of thousands of housing units. He also indicated plans to cancel existing development projects in Arab settlements that he claims could threaten Jewish settlement in the areas.

The announcement comes ahead of Israeli elections in October, with Smotrich's party currently polling close to the electoral threshold required to enter the next parliament. The plan uses the Hebrew names for the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, in its framing.

Frequently asked questions

The plan aims to significantly increase the Jewish population in the Negev and Galilee regions of Israel.

The plan targets one million additional Jewish residents and the establishment of 40 new settlements.

The plan is being presented by Smotrich's Religious Zionism party ahead of upcoming Israeli elections.

What Happens Next

01Israeli elections are scheduled for October.

How It Developed

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented a plan to increase the Jewish population in the Negev and Galilee.
The plan aims to add one million Jews to the regions, establish 40 new settlements, and expand existing ones.
Smotrich stated the intention to cancel existing plans in Arab settlements that could threaten Jewish settlement.
The Religious Zionism party's proposal is presented ahead of upcoming Israeli elections.

Sources

T1
Israel's Smotrich sets out plan to 'Judaise' Arab population centresMiddle East Eye

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