Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right Israeli lawmaker and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, who currently serves as the country's finance minister as well as a minister in the Defense Ministry. In the past, Smotrich also served as transportation minister.
Smotrich is a highly divisive figure in Israeli politics, having been accused of racism, extremism, and homophobia. Smotrich has also gone on record saying that he is a "proud homophobe," staunch support for Israel's West Bank settlements, and rejects both the future existence of a Palestinian state as well as the existence of the Palestinian people.
“There is currently a debate about whether the war can be stopped. The war cannot be stopped just before the complete destruction of Hamas," Smotrich said.
Netanyahu canceled his testimony to the trial against him in order to give the speech, which was reportedly unplanned.
“Our commitment to them is infinite,” he stated. “We will still have time to defeat Hamas; we are destined to live by the sword, and the war will last for years.”
"The suffering of our hostages in Hamas' brutal captivity is heartbreaking," he said. "But comparisons to the Holocaust are a grave mistake."
It isn't worth analyzing the plausibility of US President Donald Trump's bombastic statements, but what is clear is the message being sent to Israel's far Right.
Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.
Smotrich said that the fact that the haredim did not serve in the IDF was “painful,” however he cannot act on those feelings as a public servant.
Ultimately, the hostage deal will remain a fragile balancing act. Its continuation depends on Netanyahu’s ability to manage not just his coalition but also his relationship with Trump.
Finance Minister in exclusive to JPost: Israel will resume war if Hamas stays in power • Trump must show 'great force' to reshape the Middle East
Smotrich argued that the haredi parties should support the budget regardless – and then could topple the government over the draft, if they wished.
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