Israeli Finance Minister

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for building three new settlements along Gaza's northern fence amid ongoing Israeli military operations. The proposal follows Israeli strikes in Gaza and the West Bank, with Palestinian health officials reporting recent casualties. Smotrich also mentioned plans to establish additional settlements in the West Bank.

Israeli defense and finance ministers announced plans for three illegal settlements in Gaza and over $400m in funding to expand construction in the West Bank. A top military commander claimed Israel controls 65% of Gaza, violating a Trump ceasefire deal, as Netanyahu's far-right coalition aims to expand land control and displace Palestinians before elections on October 27.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed US envoy Steve Witkoff called Gaza's population 'two million Nazis' during a private meeting. Smotrich also advocated for permanent Israeli territorial expansion in Lebanon during a conference.

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the establishment of Jewish settlements within Gaza, claiming the Israeli military controls nearly 70% of the strip. He stated preparations for three settlements in the northern perimeter are underway, awaiting approval from the prime minister and defense minister.

New York Democrats who participated in the city’s Israel Day parade condemned the attendance of Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, a leading figure in the Israeli settler movement. Smotrich, who marched in the event, has faced ICC arrest warrant allegations.