Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
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Bezalel Smotrich on Saudi Arabia

Vocal critic (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich initially dismissed Saudi normalization with a crude remark, later retracting the insult after facing backlash.

Key Points

  • The minister told Saudis to keep riding camels, an offensive remark directed at normalization prospects.

  • He later retracted the specific comments, walking back the language used against Saudi Arabia.

  • The initial remark was made when discussing prospects for normalization between Israel and the Gulf kingdom.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, initially expressed a strong negative stance regarding normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia by issuing a crude, stereotypical insult telling them to keep riding camels. This statement drew significant international and domestic criticism due to its offensive nature and potential damage to diplomatic initiatives. The Finance Minister subsequently retracted these insulting remarks, acknowledging the need to walk back the comments shortly after they surfaced.

This episode highlights a tension between hardline ideological positions held by Smotrich and the pragmatic foreign policy goals of the government regarding regional diplomacy. Although he retracted the specific language, the initial comment revealed a deep skepticism or outright opposition to normalizing ties with the Gulf kingdom, reflecting a broader right-wing sentiment in Israeli politics concerning such arrangements.

Key Quotes

"We have survived 77 years without Saudi Arabia, we can survive 77 more without it,"

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich's position has been characterized by strong initial opposition, exemplified by a deeply offensive remark telling Saudis to remain on their camels. He later walked back this specific statement following significant public criticism.

Yes, Bezalel Smotrich formally retracted the highly offensive comments he made regarding normalization with Saudi Arabia. This retraction indicated an attempt to pivot away from the damaging rhetoric that had emerged.

The Finance Minister used derogatory language, referencing camels in a dismissive manner when discussing potential normalization with Saudi Arabia. He subsequently stated he regretted and retracted these specific words.