“Israeli” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized “Israel’s” security measures, particularly concerning “Israeli” Arabs during the Security and Technology Conference on Sunday.

Emphasizing the internal security challenges posed by the Arab minority, Smotrich highlighted that Palestinians constitute 20 percent of “Israel's” population and pointed to a perceived proliferation of illegal weapons among them.

Also Read: “ICC must arrest Smotrich”: UN Special Rapporteur Albanese

Smotrich expressed concern over what he described as a significant number of illicit arms, which he alleged could potentially be used in aggressive actions influenced by external factors like Iranian interests.

"There are hundreds of thousands of illegal arms and weapons, which at the moment of truth are supposed, according to the Iranian ambition, to take part in the conquering plan," Smotrich asserted.

Smotrich did not shy away from criticizing “Israeli” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a fellow right-wing politician, for what he deemed as a failure in tackling the issue effectively.

"On this issue, the police and he who is responsible for it are completely failing," Smotrich stated.

He dismissed the notion that distributing firearms to first-response teams would suffice, insisting instead on a comprehensive strategy to collect illegal weapons and eradicate their circulation.

Smotrich continued, "It is inside us and is more dangerous than what is outside of the border."

He stressed the need for concrete actions over mere rhetoric, advocating for a concentrated effort to address the proliferation of illegal arms among “Israeli” Arabs.

Also Read: Smotrich, Ben Gvir threaten to dismantle Netanyahu's government

In response to Smotrich's remarks, Ben-Gvir took to X to emphasize unity in addressing security challenges. "While all of our children are united at the front, we must be united and not be pulled into personal attacks.”

כשהילדים של כולנו מאוחדים בחזית, אנחנו חייבים להיות מאוחדים ולא להיגרר למתקפות אישיות. הדברים של שר האוצר גורמים לשמאל לחכך ידיים בהנאה. למרות ההשתלחות מהשמאל ולצערי גם משותפים לדרך נמשיך בפרויקט כיתות הכוננות, חלוקת הנשקים והרתעת המחבלים בכלא בכל הכוח.

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) June 30, 2024

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing first-response initiative aimed at equipping teams and enhancing security measures, particularly in deterring terrorism and managing prisoners.