Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
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Bezalel Smotrich on Israel-Palestine Conflict

Staunch annexation advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich staunchly advocates for the full annexation of the West Bank and phased control of Gaza following Hamas's disarmament.

Key Points

  • He instructed his department to prepare for the annexation of the occupied West Bank following the re-election of a specific US president in November 2024.

  • He announced a plan to effectively split the occupied West Bank in half by approving thousands of new Jewish settler homes between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim in August 2025.

  • He insisted in October 2025 that the war must continue to fully eradicate Hamas and demilitarize Gaza, even immediately after any hostage return deal.

  • He publicly stated he would not vote in favor of a Gaza ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas in October 2025.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich's core position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict centers on securing full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, a territory he believes they are biblically entitled to. He has long pursued this goal, having previously published a 'Decisive Plan' outlining options for Palestinians which included leaving, accepting Israeli domination, or facing annihilation. He used his role as Finance Minister to secure mechanisms of West Bank governance under his civil control, enabling easier purchase of land by Jewish settlers and expanding illegal settlements, actions he stated would 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state'.

His stance extends to the Gaza Strip, where he has called for a phased annexation in the event that Hamas refuses to disarm and release captives. This plan involves telling Palestinians to move south, imposing a siege on the north and center, and then annexing the territory over several months. He also expressed firm opposition to any Gaza ceasefire deal, insisting he would vote against it, demonstrating his commitment to a maximalist security and territorial outcome for Israel [cite:3,cite:2].

Key Quotes

This reality definitively buries the idea of a Palestinian state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich holds a strong far-right position, fundamentally opposing a Palestinian state and advocating for the full annexation of the West Bank. He seeks to expand Israeli sovereignty across this territory, drawing ideological inspiration from religious Zionism. He also supports aggressive military action and subsequent control over Gaza.

His core ideological drive towards annexation and settlement expansion appears consistent, but the means and intensity have evolved with his political power. He published his 'Decisive Plan' years ago, but securing key ministerial roles allowed him to embed annexation mechanisms into governing policy as his struggle advanced.

The minister called for a phased annexation of the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not disarm and release Israeli captives. He proposed a plan involving population relocation, sieges, and then annexation over several months, describing it as a path to winning the conflict by the end of the year.