Bezalel Smotrich

Bezalel Smotrich is Israel's far-right Finance Minister. He is newsworthy due to his strong influence on Israeli policy regarding the West Bank and Gaza, particularly concerning settlement construction and post-war governance. Recent events highlight his role in pushing for settlement expansion, including the approval of new settlements in the West Bank and the advancement of the E1 settlement project, which has drawn international condemnation. He has also criticized US President Trump's plan for Gaza, deeming it detrimental to Israel's interests. Smotrich's opposition to US-backed postwar Gaza panels and his advocacy for annexing Palestinian territory demonstrate his hardline stance. His actions and statements are significant as they reflect the growing influence of the far-right in Israeli politics and its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.