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Smotrich

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Israeli ministers join Gaza border march pushing to rebuild settlements
world19 hours ago

Israeli ministers join Gaza border march pushing to rebuild settlements

Israeli cabinet members and lawmakers joined a border march toward Gaza to demand the reconstruction of settlements evacuated in 2005 (Elei Sinai, Dugit, Nisanit), a move that defied a military zone order. Organizers claimed thousands attended, though some reports estimated only hundreds. Attendees included senior ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, highlighting a shift of settlement rhetoric into mainstream Israeli politics despite Netanyahu’s stance that Gaza will not be resettled.

Israel expands control over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, signaling broader takeover of planning in the city
world1 month ago

Israel expands control over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, signaling broader takeover of planning in the city

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel has transferred planning and construction powers for the Ibrahimi Mosque and adjacent Jewish settler areas in Hebron’s H2 to Israeli authorities, effectively altering parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement. The move, framed by Israel as advancing sovereignty, is seen by observers as a dangerous erosion of Oslo-era arrangements and Palestinian planning autonomy, potentially increasing unilateral Israeli control amid ongoing settlement expansion. Palestinians and several international actors condemn it as infringing on governance and international law.

Smotrich claims ICC sought arrest warrant, pledges retaliation against PA
world2 months ago

Smotrich claims ICC sought arrest warrant, pledges retaliation against PA

Israeli far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says the ICC prosecutor sought a confidential arrest warrant against him and threatens retaliation against the Palestinian Authority, citing his order to evacuate the Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar. The ICC process is confidential and Israel is not a member of the court, though the Palestinian territories are, allowing potential scrutiny of actions in Gaza and the West Bank amid broader tensions and sanctions on Israeli officials.

Smotrich vows West Bank evacuation after ICC warrant
israel-politics2 months ago

Smotrich vows West Bank evacuation after ICC warrant

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him, calling it a declaration of war, and announced he would sign an order to evacuate the Khan al-Ahmar Bedouin village in the West Bank. He accused the ICC of acting as the Palestinian Authority’s voice amid broader investigations into Israeli leaders and tears over settlement politics.

world3 months ago

Israel moves border to Litani River in southern Lebanon

Israel says it will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River to create a defensive buffer, with troops controlling bridges and a security zone and potentially seizing about a tenth of the country; Hezbollah vows to resist, and Lebanese residents have been displaced by strikes that have killed over 1,000. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged annexation up to the Litani. Lebanon has not commented publicly. The move escalates an already volatile conflict amid broader US-Israeli tensions with Iran and international concern over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Israeli Minister Foresees Gaza as a 'Real Estate Bonanza' Amid Conflict
world10 months ago

Israeli Minister Foresees Gaza as a 'Real Estate Bonanza' Amid Conflict

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed turning Gaza into a real estate opportunity and discussed dividing the territory with the US, despite international condemnation. His comments follow Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has caused extensive destruction and a high death toll, with ongoing debates about long-term plans for the region, including controversial ideas of US trusteeship and land annexation.

Smotrich Loses Confidence in Netanyahu's Gaza War Stance
world11 months ago

Smotrich Loses Confidence in Netanyahu's Gaza War Stance

Finance Minister Smotrich has publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu's approach to the Gaza war, criticizing recent government decisions and advocating for a decisive military victory over Hamas, including annexation plans and a complete surrender of Hamas in Gaza, amid ongoing disagreements within the Israeli cabinet about the best strategy.

Israeli Leaders Push for Gaza Resettlement and Annexation Plans
world11 months ago

Israeli Leaders Push for Gaza Resettlement and Annexation Plans

Israeli far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed support for rebuilding Jewish settlements in Gaza, describing Gaza as an inseparable part of Israel, amid ongoing war and humanitarian crises. The Netherlands banned him from entering the country due to his stance, which includes calls for the voluntary migration of Palestinians, raising concerns of ethnic cleansing. Smotrich's remarks come as Gaza faces severe destruction, a humanitarian crisis, and stalled ceasefire negotiations.

Israeli Minister Seeks West Bank Annexation Amid Trump Support
politics1 year ago

Israeli Minister Seeks West Bank Annexation Amid Trump Support

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has initiated preparations for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, anticipating support from US President-elect Donald Trump when he takes office in 2025. Smotrich, who also oversees West Bank settlements, believes Trump's administration will back Israel's claim of sovereignty over the territory. This move has been met with criticism from Palestinian officials and remains undecided within the Israeli government. The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, with ongoing settlement expansions.