All articles tagged with #bezalel smotrich
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The New York Times
Far-right Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the Israeli government's plan for a gradual military takeover of Gaza, calling for a swift and decisive victory over Hamas, which could threaten Netanyahu's coalition government amid ongoing conflicts and political tensions.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by The Washington Post
Western nations including Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway announced sanctions against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by The Jerusalem Post
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan reportedly planned to seek arrest warrants for Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich over settlement expansion in the West Bank, but these plans were made before Khan went on leave amid sexual assault allegations against him. The case could escalate tensions between the ICC and Israel, with decisions pending by Khan's deputies.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Haaretz
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to annex the West Bank, following Donald Trump's election victory. Smotrich, a far-right politician, described Palestinians as "new Nazis" and emphasized the need to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. He instructed relevant Israeli authorities to prepare for this move, which has been condemned by international figures, including Germany's ambassador to Israel, as a breach of international law.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
Israel's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has called for the annexation of parts of the West Bank following Donald Trump's election victory, signaling a push by Israeli hard-liners to solidify control over Palestinian territories.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has initiated preparations for annexing settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, aiming to apply Israeli sovereignty over the area. This move, likely influenced by domestic political motives and the potential support from a Trump administration, has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority as a colonial and racist act. Smotrich's announcement reflects his long-standing opposition to a Palestinian state and his desire to integrate West Bank settlements under Israeli law.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
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.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Al Jazeera English
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who leads the Settlements Administration, has gained more control over the occupied West Bank, including building regulations and land management. This shift, facilitated by a coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is seen as a step towards annexation, making illegal settlement expansion easier while intensifying scrutiny and demolition of Palestinian construction. The move exacerbates the hardships faced by Palestinians, including increased settler attacks and movement restrictions.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Jerusalem Post
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated he will vote against any new Gaza hostage deal outline, criticizing the negotiations, while war cabinet minister Benny Gantz emphasized the government's commitment to bringing hostages home and ensuring the safety of residents amidst ongoing fighting in Gaza.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Haaretz
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked outrage after stating that returning Gaza hostages is not the most important thing, leading to a spontaneous demonstration in front of the defense ministry in Tel Aviv. His remarks were met with criticism, with one father of a captive addressing Smotrich directly.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Jerusalem Post
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel will not transfer any funds to the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the refusal to support families of "Nazis in Gaza" and advocating for the voluntary immigration of refugees. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for Palestinian statehood and the transfer of funds to the PA, while rejecting proposals for resettlement outside of Gaza. Blinken's visit comes amid ongoing discussions about the Israel-Hamas War and the situation in Gaza, with tensions heightened by Smotrich's controversial remarks about Palestinians in Gaza.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Haaretz
Israeli settlers, supported by far-right politicians like Bezalel Smotrich, are attempting to block the Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank, leading to increased violence against Palestinian farmers. This annual ritual, which combines work and pleasure for Palestinian families, is being disrupted as settlers and soldiers prevent access to the olive groves.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Times of Israel
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on the Israeli military to "go on the offensive" and increase settlement construction in the West Bank following a deadly terror attack that killed two Israelis in the town of Huwara. Smotrich, who heads the far-right Religious Zionism party, has previously called for the destruction of Huwara. The IDF has launched a manhunt for the shooter, and condolences and vows to apprehend the perpetrator poured in from other politicians. Violence has surged in the West Bank, with an increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis and attacks by extremist Jewish settlers against Palestinians.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Times of Israel
Far-right ministers in Israel, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, assert Israel's right to unlimited settlement construction in the West Bank in response to US President Joe Biden's criticism of their extreme views. Smotrich argues that it is their duty to defend and build their homeland, rejecting the idea of two states for two peoples. Ben Gvir emphasizes that the Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel according to the Torah and vows not to compromise on any land. Opposition leader Benny Gantz accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sacrificing Israel's strategic needs to please the far-right ministers.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Times of Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist advocate of settlements, practically all control over planning approval for construction in West Bank settlements, according to a controversial resolution passed by the government. The decision also expedites and eases the process for expanding existing West Bank settlements and retroactively legalizing some illegal outposts. Settlement leaders praised the move, while opponents warned it would allow for unchecked expansion of the settlements and constituted further “de facto annexation” of the West Bank.