This is not the first time the Israeli prime minister has called for one final military drive to dismantle Hamas and end the war.
Tag: Smotrich, Bezalel (1980- )
Far-Right Israeli Minister Condemns Plan for Gradual Military Expansion in Gaza
Bezalel Smotrich, the hard-line finance minister, said that Israel needed to move more decisively and quickly to defeat Hamas.
Israeli Far-Right Minister Promotes Plan for Jewish Resettlement in Gaza
Bezalel Smotrich described Gaza as an ‘inseparable part’ of Israel, even as the Netherlands announced a ban on him and another hard line Israeli minister.
UK Weighs Sanctions on 2 Israeli Ministers as Gaza Crisis Worsens
Facing rising pressure over the acute suffering of civilians in Gaza, the British government is considering sanctions on two far-right ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Israeli Minister Says Freeing Hostages Not ‘Most Important’ Aim of the War
The far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said the more crucial goal was ensuring that Hamas no longer ruled the Gaza Strip.
Israel Budget Vote Is Win for Netanyahu
A budget approved by Israel’s Parliament cements Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s power and includes significant military spending.
Far-Right Israeli Minister Visits Washington After Years of Being Shunned
Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, had drawn rebukes from the Biden administration for his opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza and his support for Jewish settlers in the West Bank.
Trump’s Gaza Plan Reflects Broader Push for Annexation of Palestinian Land
Right-wing officials in Israel, evangelical Christians in the United States and Trump appointees have become increasingly outspoken in calling for Israel to take more territory.
West Bank? Call It Judea and Samaria, Some Republicans Say.
President Trump’s return has emboldened supporters of Israeli annexation of the occupied territory who want to mandate the use of language reflecting that view. Opponents of annexation say the term reflects a political agenda.
Israel-Hamas Truce Leaves Big Questions Unresolved for Now
It remains unclear whether the six-week truce will lead to a permanent cease-fire and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, or if fighting will resume.