Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich spoke at a Jerusalem Day event at the Western Wall, stating: "We are giving strength to the Almighty, to tens of thousands of our heroic fighters who are fighting in Gaza to bring us victory and national honor. Some are a bit afraid of victory, we are not." When he asked the crowd "Are we afraid of the word occupation? Will we settle Gaza?" the crowd responded: "Yes!" Additionally, Smotrich expressed hope for the swift construction of the Temple, adding: "The budget's on me."