Smotrich congratulates the agreement:
*Member of the Security Cabinet, Chairman of the Religious Zionism Party, and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich:*
My beloved reserve brothers!
Your hundreds of reserve days, the sacrifice and dedication of your families, are changing the Middle East — no less.
For decades, we were conditioned to withdrawals in exchange for a piece of paper, to folding under international pressure, and to surrendering to terror. For decades, you were sent to fight, only for your achievements to be squandered by a so‑called “diplomatic conclusion” of submission and retreats.
Our right‑wing government has changed Israel’s security concept and our diplomatic conduct. Here is an interim summary of the results of your heroism and of our proper management of the war on all fronts:
1. The IDF controls a security zone encompassing 70% of the Gaza Strip and has destroyed its terror infrastructure both above and below ground. Hamas has not yet been eliminated, but it has been severely hit, there is international commitment to its eradication, a determination that there will be no reconstruction without disarmament, and legitimacy for Israel to do so and to remain in the security zone at least until then.
2. The IDF controls a security zone in Lebanon and is deepening the destruction of Hezbollah’s infrastructure throughout the country, above and below ground. Hezbollah, too, has not yet been eliminated, but it has been severely weakened; there is international commitment to its defeat and legitimacy for Israel’s freedom of action to thwart threats, prevent armament, and remain in the security zone until then.
3. The security and sense of security of residents in the north and south are immeasurably better than they were on the eve of the war.
4. Iran is far weaker than it was before the war — militarily, politically, and economically — and is being pushed out of involvement in the Middle East.
5. Our enemies on all fronts are much weaker, and we are much stronger.
We have not yet reached rest and peace. But after decades of misguided concepts, weakness, and restraint, our right‑wing government has changed Israel’s security doctrine, and as a result, by God's grace and with His help, we have dramatically improved our security and strength.
Do not pay attention to the frustration and negativity of the left‑wing media and the opposition. They must criticize even when there’s no reason, and they try to spread despair and gloom for political reasons.
With God’s help — and yours — we will continue to strengthen Israel’s security for generations to come.