Israeli Minister Proposes Plan to Block West Bank Palestinian State

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet, outlined plans to prevent the West Bank from becoming part of an independent Palestinian state by expanding Jewish settlements. Leaked audio from a speech revealed Smotrich's strategy to develop infrastructure and settlements in the area, which he believes will secure Israel's future. The Israeli NGO Peace Now provided the transcript and audio to CNN. The Israeli government maintains that the West Bank's status is subject to future negotiations.