Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has advocated for the expansion of Israel’s borders to include territories in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, citing Jewish scripture. His comments, made during an interview for the Arte documentary ‘Israel: Extremists in Power’, reflect the ambitions of ultra-nationalist factions within Israeli politics. The documentary examines the implications of these views alongside the increasing political influence of figures like Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict and shifting dynamics within the Israeli government.
Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right Finance Minister of Israel, has expressed aspirations for the expansion of the Jewish state to incorporate various territories in the Arab world, including Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. In an interview for the Arte documentary entitled ‘Israel: Extremists in Power’, Smotrich articulated his vision of aligning Israel’s borders with the notions presented in Jewish scriptures, specifically mentioning that, “It is written that the future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus.” Smotrich articulated the belief that this proposed expansion is critical for a true Jewish state which he envisions includes not just the current Israeli territory but also significant portions of neighboring Arab nations. This advocacy reflects the long-standing ambitions held by a sector of Israeli ultra-nationalists and religious groups for an extensive territorial reach. The documentary also scrutinizes the rise of Smotrich and his counterpart, Itamar Ben-Gvir, within the most right-leaning government in Israel’s history, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their increasing political influence has contributed to a growing divide in Israeli society and worsened conditions for Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has notably drawn support from these far-right leaders, especially following the resignation of former Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who departed from the emergency war cabinet amid disagreements regarding strategies in the Gaza war, particularly concerning Israeli captives held by Hamas.
The statements made by Bezalel Smotrich are reflective of a broader ideological framework held by a segment of the Israeli government that advocates for significant territorial claims over Palestinian lands and neighboring Arab countries. This ideology is often rooted in historical narratives and religious texts, which these individuals interpret as justifications for their territorial ambitions. The rise of far-right elements within the Israeli government has been significant in recent years, particularly amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the shifting dynamics in Israeli politics. The documentary, ‘Israel: Extremists in Power’, aims to provide insights into these burgeoning ideologies and their potential ramifications on the region’s geopolitical landscape, specifically with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, Bezalel Smotrich’s comments reveal an aggressive expansionist stance regarding Israel’s borders that resonates with extreme nationalist sentiments within segments of Israeli society. His aspirations to extend Israel’s territory to include parts of several neighboring Arab nations signify a radical vision for the state’s future. With the rising influence of far-right figures like Smotrich within the Israeli government against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts, these ideas may further entrench divisions within Israeli society and amplify the challenges faced by Palestinians.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
