Smotrich: We Will Expand Our Borders in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria and Will Not Allow the Establishment of a Palestinian State

Translation by SadaNews - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Thursday evening that Israel will expand its borders in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

This statement was made during his speech at the opening of a new settlement named "Ma'oz Tzur" in the West Bank.

He stated, as translated by SadaNews: "We always talk about the military aspect first and then the political aspect, and there are those who criticize us saying that there are only military achievements without a political aspect to these achievements."

He added: "There will be a political aspect in Gaza to expand our borders, another aspect extending to Lebanon to reach the Litani River at defensible borders, and a third aspect extending to Syria reaching the summit of Mount Hermon and at least the buffer zone."

He continued: "This is what is respected in our neighborhood, and this is what we need to enhance security."

Regarding the West Bank, he said: "We have a final diplomatic stage in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) that will completely eliminate the idea of establishing a Palestinian state."

He added: "Politics is based on a mix of military strength and political will, along with faith and love for the homeland. There is a political and military aspect that embodies heroism, will, faith, and love for the homeland," according to him.