Israeli finance minister calls for lasting Israeli control over Gaza and Lebanon
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged permanent Israeli sovereignty over the territories it holds in Gaza and Lebanon, framing territorial loss as a penalty for aggressors.
At the opening of the three-day NatCon gathering, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that Israel permanently apply its sovereignty over the Gaza and Lebanese territories it currently occupies, arguing that losing land should be the cost of starting a war. He presented the proposal as part of a wider post-conflict plan that envisions voluntary emigration for Gaza inhabitants and a shift from U.S. dependence to a partnership of two independent nations.
Smotrich also pressed for the extension of Israeli civil law to Judea and Samaria, citing historic Jewish ties and rejecting the notion of a Palestinian nation. He blamed Egypt and other Arab states for hindering Gazans’ ability to relocate to culturally similar countries. The remarks came three weeks before Israel’s Oct. 27 general election and were delivered at the National Conservatism Conference organized by the Edmund Burke Foundation and chaired by philosopher Yoram Hazony.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape Israel's borders and its relationship with neighboring states and the United States.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the finance minister's call for permanent Israeli control, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes his far-right ideology, while right-leaning coverage highlights it as a strategic post-conflict plan with historic and geopolitical justifications.
LEFT
Frames the proposal as a manifestation of the minister's far-right stance and a deterrent against aggression
RIGHT
Frames the proposal as a strategic plan for lasting sovereignty, citing historic ties and blaming regional actors
The left emphasises
- far-right stance
- permanent annexation of Gaza and Lebanon
- deterrent against further aggression
The right emphasises
- permanent sovereignty over occupied territories
- voluntary emigration for Gaza inhabitants
- historic Jewish ties and rejection of a Palestinian nation
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Sep 12 Eisenkot’s Yashar party entered the race with a poll showing 23 projected seats.
- Sep 12 Herzog’s flag-lowering ceremony coincided with the national day of remembrance for the Oct 7 massacre, which claimed about 1,200 lives and sparked the Swords of Iron conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to attend back-to-back state services on Mount Herzl honoring fallen soldiers and terror victims. The Israel Defense Forces held a minute of silence at Zikim base, where Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reflected on the tragedy and the military’s response. Later, Herzog will host a “Salon Otef” discussion featuring Omri Miran, who was released from Hamas captivity in 2025.
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 24 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the international community must accelerate the US-backed Gaza peace plan and prevent a repeat of the 1948 displacement.
- Sep 24 The United States denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year, forcing a video address to the UN.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
- Oct 6 The United Nations Secretary‑General called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
- Oct 6 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a heightened state of readiness for Israeli forces in Gaza and warned of severe retaliation if troops are harmed.
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