Dispute Between Zamir and Smotrich Over the Identity of the Head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank

SadaNews Translation - Israel's Army Radio revealed on Thursday that there are disagreements between Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Finance Minister, Minister of Settlement in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich, regarding the appointment of a head for the civil administration in the West Bank, which is one of the minister's responsibilities and powers.

According to the radio, Zamir is seeking to postpone the appointment of a permanent official to this sensitive position for several months, specifically until after the upcoming Knesset elections.

Zamir believes it would be better to make a permanent appointment only during the next government’s term, a move opposed by Smotrich, who considers the civil administration to be one of his top priorities and for which he is the responsible minister.

Smotrich threatens to use another means of pressure on Zamir through the Israeli army budget.

Zamir is trying to keep Faris Atileh in the position of acting head of the civil administration until a permanent figure is appointed from the next government. Meanwhile, Smotrich is promoting the nomination of a figure close to him, specifically Yoghiv Barshisht, and sees Atileh as part of the old administration before the revolution he initiated in the West Bank.