Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for an Israeli response to the recognition of the state of Palestine by Norway, Spain, and Ireland, urging the construction of a new settlement for each recognizing country. According to the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth," following the move by the three countries, Smotrich sent a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking for a "Zionist response" to the Palestinian Authority's unilateral step.
The report stated that Smotrich requested Netanyahu's approval to convene the planning and building committee in the West Bank to approve the construction of 10,000 settlement units in the West Bank, including the E1 area, and to gain cabinet approval for building a settlement for each country that recognizes the state of Palestine.
Additionally, the Finance Minister called for the cancellation of the agreement with Norway related to the transfer of Palestinian clearance funds, the strengthening of settlements in the West Bank, and the withdrawal of VIP cards from senior Palestinian Authority figures. He also demanded economic sanctions against Palestinian Authority figures and their families. Meanwhile, Smotrich informed Netanyahu of halting the transfer of clearance funds to the Palestinian Authority until further notice.
Today, Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their recognition of the state of Palestine, and the Palestinian presidency welcomed the announcement, considering it "historic moments where the free world champions right and justice after decades of struggle."
