Israeli Minister Sparks Controversy with Denial of Palestinian Identity

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed there is "no such thing" as a Palestinian people, while Israel's new coalition government pushed ahead with a plan to overhaul the judiciary. The development came a day after an Israeli and Palestinian delegation pledged to take steps to lower tensions roiling the region ahead of a sensitive holiday season. The limited influence the Biden administration appears to have over Israel's new far-right government raises questions about attempts to lower tensions, both inside Israel and with the Palestinians.