Chicago – June 21, 2024
In leaked audio from a recent speech, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed his intention to prevent the occupied West Bank from becoming part of an independent Palestinian state. Smotrich, a prominent far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, advocated for expanding Jewish settlements as a strategy to block the formation of a Palestinian state, which he views as a threat to Israel.
“The goal is to change the DNA of the system for many, many years,” Smotrich stated. The transcript and audio were provided to CNN by the Israeli NGO Peace Now, which had a representative present during the speech.
Israel’s Supreme Court categorizes Israeli control over the West Bank as a temporary military occupation, not as annexation under a civilian administration. However, Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, has consistently opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He has also long championed the expansion of Jewish settlements, which are deemed illegal under international law and are widely condemned by the international community.