Observation: Is Netanyahu Showing World He Forced to Appoint Smotrich DM?
Dr. Aaron Lerner 16 November, 2022

Binyamin Netanyahu plays chess in four dimensions so there are two radically
different explanations for the crisis we now have over the appointment of
Bezalel Smotrich as defense minister.

Option #1 Netanyahu genuinely wants to implement an across the board freeze
on Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria and a similarly strict freeze on
significant action against illegal Palestinian construction in Area C for
the foreseeable future and therefore cannot appoint Smotrich defense
minister since the DM has the independent authority to approve Jewish
construction as well as action against illegal Palestinian construction.

Option #2: Netanyahu wants to demonstrate to the world that he WANTED to
implement an across the board freeze on Jewish construction in Judea and
Samaria and a similarly strict freeze on significant action against illegal
Palestinian construction in Area C but that he was FORCED to appoint
Smotrich DM in order to successfully form his ruling coalition.

The theatrics we will observe will be identical.

In a series of interviews Netanyahu has cited making diplomatic relations
with the Saudis as a top priority. He has also explained to Likudnikim that
Israel has to hold back on activity which might anger the Biden
administration which remains in power for the next two years. In addition,
the vote by the UN General Assembly which sends us to the Hague for
effectively annexing Judea and Samaria via the continued "occupation"
provides another justification for an open-ended freeze.

I frankly doubt that ANYONE in the world, besides possibly Netanyahu's wife
and son, actually knows if the answer is Option #1 or Option #2.

But that does not matter for third parties.

If you think that we should not have a building freeze despite the arguments
for a freeze then you support Bezalel Smotrich being appointed defense
minister.

If you think that we should have a building freeze then you support the
moves to appoint someone else.

Count me among those who want Bezalel Smotrich appointed defense minister.
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