Israeli far-right minister celebrates blocking UN resolution on Palestinian statehood
Bezalel Smotrich Israeli Finance Minister. (AFP Photo)
Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently claimed that Israel had successfully thwarted a U.N. Security Council resolution recognizing Palestinian statehood.
He described this as a major victory for Israeli settlements and national security, particularly in the period leading up to Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
Key points
- Prevention of Palestinian statehood resolution: Smotrich stated that Israel ensured the resolution recognizing Palestinian statehood would not be passed during the transition period before Trump’s return, framing it as a significant achievement for Israeli security and settlement interests.
- Settlement expansion: Smotrich reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the development of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and emphasized the need to fortify Israel’s security, opposing the creation of a Palestinian state.
- Support for Gaza occupation: A strong advocate for the military occupation of Gaza, Smotrich has pushed for the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements, despite their illegality under international law.
- ‘Voluntary immigration’ proposal: At a recent Yesha Council conference, Smotrich suggested Israel could use its relationship with the Trump administration to encourage “voluntary immigration” from Gaza, a term often used to describe the forced displacement of Palestinians. He claimed this could reduce Gaza’s population by half within two years.
- Full-scale Gaza occupation: Smotrich has repeatedly called for a full occupation of Gaza, dismissing concerns about the financial costs, which he estimated at “a few hundred million shekels.” He argued that Gaza “must be conquered,” and its population should be “significantly reduced.”
Smotrich’s statements reflect his hardline stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly his support for settlement expansion and military action in Palestinian territories.
His proposals have been met with criticism from human rights organizations and are likely to escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
