Bezalel Smotrich's remarks underscore a significant shift in Israeli policy direction with Trump's return to power, particularly regarding sovereignty in disputed territories.
Chancellor Scholz's proactive outreach to Trump highlights the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels and the potential for shifts in European-American relations under the new U.S. administration.
The application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria could lead to increased tensions with Palestinian groups and neighboring Arab states.
Trump's presidency may prompt a reevaluation of U.S. military support for Ukraine, affecting the ongoing conflict with Russia.
At a recent meeting of the religious Zionist faction, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the election of Donald Trump, expressing optimism about applying Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Smotrich congratulated Trump on his victory, highlighting past actions that strengthened Israel, such as the recognition of Jerusalem as its capital and the legality of settlements. He emphasized the urgency of applying sovereignty to counter perceived threats from Palestinian factions and other regional adversaries. Smotrich stated that 2025 would be a pivotal year for this initiative, asserting that a broad consensus exists against establishing a Palestinian state that could jeopardize Israel's existence.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany also spoke with President-elect Trump, marking their first conversation since the election. Scholz congratulated Trump and expressed a desire to maintain strong German-American relations while acknowledging potential changes in cooperation. Both leaders discussed geopolitical challenges and the importance of peace in Europe, with Trump reportedly advising against escalating the conflict in Ukraine during a separate call with Vladimir Putin. Scholz's comments reflect his cautious approach to future relations with the Trump administration, emphasizing a balance between reliability and adaptability.
