The Israeli military is not a place for women, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed in an interview with 103FM on Wednesday morning.
He cited a quote in which he said he would not recommend that his daughter enlist, adding, “I am proud of the products of religious education, the root of this [the desire to enlist] is the desire to contribute, idealism, the desire to give.”
The minister criticized Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who said that only poorly performing companies list their shares on the Israeli stock exchange, and said, "Forgive me for being a bit sharp in my response. If there were a tax on stupid statements, I could reduce half of the taxes on the citizens of the State of Israel. This is a crazy and absurd statement."
"Look at 'Palo Alto,' which announced it is listing itself on the Israeli stock exchange, and it is breaking records," he added. "To tell the truth? Those who understand and deal with economics, and I say this with pain, understand that the Economy Minister doesn't understand anything, and his words are not taken seriously."
Smotrich: It's not racist to face reality
The minister also addressed a debate he had on Tuesday with MK Iman Khatib-Yasin from Ra'am, where he was heard accusing Arab society of the violence occurring within it: "It’s not racist to face reality and tell the truth; there is a culture of murder, killing, and jihad in Arab society. When you sleep with dogs, don't be surprised if you wake up with fleas. Start condemning violence and terrorist organizations, tell your public to stop burning police cars."
He added, "It's time to put an end to the hypocrisy of Knesset members who claim to be leaders of Arab society. They didn't condemn October 7. We, as a government, are doing our part. I am choking the crime organizations financially. There is terrible crime in Arab society, and the previous government transferred a lot of money to them."
Smotrich addressed the current tension with Iran: "President Trump would have very much wanted to make an agreement; he's trying. Our concern is with a bad agreement, and we are waiting."
However, he promised, "We will not be caught by surprise, but beyond that, I am waiting to see."
The Finance Minister also added that "To the best of my understanding, when the Prime Minister met with the President, there was an understanding between them that any agreement must eliminate the nuclear program, but also the missile leg and terrorist funding. Iran is not only threatening the State of Israel – it is threatening the entire West."
Regarding concerns about flying over the weekend, he replied, "I am one of those who always loves to stay in the Holy Land, but I wouldn’t cancel weekend plans."