Bezalel Smotrich Advocates for Expansion of Israel into Neighboring Arab Territories
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, advocates for expanding Israel’s borders into neighboring Arab territories, including Damascus, in a vision resonating with ultra-nationalist ambitions. His views, unveiled in the Arte documentary ‘Israel: Extremists in Power,’ showcase rising political influence from the far-right within Israel, deepening societal divisions and impacting the Palestinian plight against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister of Israel, has recently articulated an ambition to enlarge the territories of Israel to encompass regions in neighboring countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. In an interview featured in the Arte documentary titled ‘Israel: Extremists in Power,’ he expressed a vision rooted in Jewish scripture, claiming that the future of Jerusalem is to expand as far as Damascus, the capital of Syria. Smotrich’s perspective reflects the longstanding aspirations of many Israeli ultra-nationalists for significant territorial expansion across the Middle East, thereby advocating for an extensive Jewish state that incorporates both existing Palestinian territories and adjacent Arab lands. The documentary presents an examination of the ideologies and potential policies held by members of what is described as the most right-wing government in Israeli history, with a particular focus on Smotrich and his counterpart, Itamar Ben-Gvir. Such statements and the rising influence of these far-right figures have exacerbated divisions within Israeli society and have adverse repercussions for Palestinian individuals and communities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been increasingly reliant on the support of such far-right elements, especially following the withdrawal of former Defence Minister Benny Gantz from the emergency war cabinet amidst disagreements regarding strategies in the ongoing Gaza conflict and approaches concerning Israeli captives held by Hamas.
The call for territorial expansion articulated by Minister Bezalel Smotrich is situated within a broader context of right-wing politics in Israel, where extremist views have gained political traction. As part of the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smotrich’s proposals contribute to escalating tensions not only within Israel but also with neighboring states. The current Israeli administration, known for having extreme elements within its ranks, has faced challenges in addressing the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during the recent Gaza conflict. The references to Jewish scripture in justifying territorial claims raise significant ethical and political questions regarding the implications for peace and coexistence in the region.
In summary, Bezalel Smotrich’s assertions advocating for the expansion of Israel into neighboring territories represent a notable shift towards more extreme nationalist rhetoric within Israeli politics. This aligns with the overall rightward trajectory of the current government and serves to intensify societal divisions and the ongoing conflict with Palestinians. Such ambitions and ideologies, if pursued, may have profound implications for regional stability and peace efforts in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
