Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has proposed an expansive vision for the Jewish state that includes annexation of territories from neighboring Arab countries, citing religious scripture. His statements, made in an Arte documentary, reflect the growing influence of right-wing politics in Israel amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the potential ramifications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right Finance Minister of Israel, has expressed a radical vision for territorial expansion of the Jewish state into significant parts of the Arab world. In an interview for the Arte documentary “Israel: Extremists in Power,” Smotrich articulated his desire to extend Israeli borders to include all Palestinian territories, as well as neighboring nations such as Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. He argued that such expansion aligns with Jewish religious scripture, notably stating, “It is written that the future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus.” The interview sheds light on the ideological underpinnings of many ultra-nationalist and religious factions within Israel that support significant territorial claims across the Middle East. This perspective comes amidst heightened tensions in Gaza and an increasingly polarized Israeli society, underscored by the influence of right-wing political figures like Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have gained prominence in the Israeli government. Their growing political clout raises concerns regarding the escalating plight of Palestinians and further strife within the region. Smotrich’s remarks are set against the backdrop of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reliance on far-right allies following the resignation of former Defense Minister Benny Gantz from the emergency war cabinet, a departure marked by disagreements over military strategies during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This development is indicative of the contentious and divisive issues facing Israeli leadership today.
The calls for territorial expansion voiced by Minister Bezalel Smotrich are rooted in a long-standing vision shared by various right-wing and ultra-nationalist factions within Israel. These groups have historically pushed for an expansive definition of the State of Israel that includes all biblically significant lands, as well as vast swathes of territory currently recognized as Palestinian. The current political climate, characterized by significant military engagements in Gaza and internal divisions within the Israeli government, amplifies these nationalistic sentiments. Furthermore, Smotrich’s comments reflect a broader trend of far-right ideology gaining substantial influence within Israeli politics, raising questions about future policies and the implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.
In summary, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent statements advocating for the expansion of Israeli territory into neighboring Arab countries underscore a concerning trend towards ultra-nationalism within the Israeli government. His comments, made during a documentary interview, reveal an ideological commitment that not only seeks to redefine Israeli borders but also exacerbates pre-existing tensions in the region. In light of political reliance on far-right figures by Prime Minister Netanyahu and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Smotrich’s vision could have serious ramifications for the already fragile state of relations between Israelis and Palestinians.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
