Israel approved plans for 2,162 new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. The move matters because it deepens disputes over Palestinian statehood prospects. Palestinians, who seek the territory for a future state, are expected to be most affected. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the expansion after a planning committee approved the […]
Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli minister calls for Lebanon annexation
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday called for annexing southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. The comments come amid escalating Israeli air and ground strikes targeting Hezbollah positions. Lebanese authorities report over 1,000 fatalities and more than a million displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Smotrich said the campaign should end with a […]
Israeli minister threatens Gaza occupation if Hamas resists
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned Monday that Israel could reoccupy Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm, heightening regional tensions. The far-right minister said military planning is underway, claiming Israel would have international legitimacy and US backing. His remarks come amid uncertainty over the next phase of the fragile Gaza ceasefire, affecting civilians and regional […]