The Minister of Defense appointed his associate as his adviser on settlement matters – with the powers to be determined only at the end of the discussions with the chairman of ‘Religious Zionism’ regarding the conflict over responsibility for Yosh. In the coalition agreement it was stipulated: “The Assistant Minister of Defense will act only in the areas of responsibility of the Minister of Defense” | All the details in the first publication
The conflict over powers: While he is still in discussions with Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Yoav Galant has appointed his associate to the position of advisor for settlement affairs, when it is not yet known what his area of responsibility will be.
‘Bachderi Haredim’ learned that Galant, upon taking office, appointed Yonatan Oz, who has accompanied him in recent years as his assistant, to a position that is supposed to be responsible for the civil conduct in Judea and Samaria – but that these powers are supposed to be transferred to the Minister in the Ministry of Defense Smotrich.
It is not clear what the area of responsibility of the new settlement advisor will be, following Smotrich’s demand to transfer the powers to him, as agreed upon in the coalition agreement, and this will be determined definitively at the end of the discussions on the issue. In any case, the intention is to keep the position.
Smotrich and Galant are talking in the plenary. | Photo: Yonatan Zindel, Flash 90.
In the coalition annex with the ‘Religious Zionist’ party, there is a reference to the position, but in a vague way: “The Assistant Minister of Defense for Settlement will continue to serve in his position with the Minister of Defense and will only act in the areas of responsibility of the Minister of Defense.”
If Gallant eventually releases responsibility for the Civil Administration and the Smotrich Police Department, who stated this week in the Knesset that “there will be no compromise on this matter”, he may try through his new advisor to continue to control and be involved in the civil conduct of Judea and Samaria.
The office of Defense Minister Yoav Galant did not respond.