"Destruction of Gaza in its entirety", "I volunteer as a ruthless killer"
Israeli Defense Minister Bezalel Yoel Smotrich, a prominent figure in the Religious Zionism movement, has made a series of controversial statements and actions since his political rise. Born in Haspin, a settlement in the occupied Golan Heights, Smotrich has been a vocal advocate for the expansion of Israeli settlements and the annexation of large portions of the West Bank.
In a statement made on November 11, 2024, Smotrich declared that the year 2025 would be the year of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, referring to the West Bank. He has since repeated his call for the annexation of most of the West Bank, a move that has sparked international controversy.
Smotrich's views on the Palestinian people have also been a subject of debate. In a statement on September 3, 2025, he asserted, "There is no such thing as a Palestinian people, it's a 20th-century invention." This statement has been met with criticism from both domestic and international communities.
In addition to his stance on the Palestinian issue, Smotrich has also suggested the destruction of several cities, including Funduq, Nablus, and Jenin, likening them to Jabalia, which was largely destroyed in January 2025. He has also advocated for the complete destruction of the Gaza Strip, a proposal he made on May 6, 2025.
Smotrich's political views extend beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has defined himself as a "fascist" and "proud homophobe," and has been criticized for his comments against LGBTQ+ demonstrations. He has also been accused of discriminatory views towards Palestinians in the occupied territories, arguing they should not have the same rights as Israeli settlers.
Smotrich's upbringing in Beit El, a settlement in the West Bank, and his affiliation with the Religious Zionism movement have shaped his political ideology. The movement, which supports the idea that the land beyond the 1967 line, the so-called "occupied territories," belongs by right to the Jewish people, has been a significant influence on Smotrich's political career.
In September 2025, Smotrich mentioned the potential division of the land in Gaza in percentages, sparking further controversy. His statements and actions have raised concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and human rights in the occupied territories.
Smotrich is currently involved in the political party "Religious Zionist Party" in Israel. His controversial views and actions have made him a divisive figure, both within Israel and on the international stage.
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