State of the World from NPR
Israel's Powerful Finance Minister and the Future of the Gaza Strip
Mar 24, 2025
Tensions are rising as Israel considers a major ground invasion of Gaza, aiming for military control. The influential Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, is vocal about resettling the territory and threatens political upheaval if the war concludes. We delve into Smotrich's political ascent, navigating through the currents of nationalism and extremism in Israeli politics. His views, rooted in religious convictions, present a complex layer to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
09:35
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Quick takeaways
- Israel is contemplating a full military occupation of Gaza that could drastically alter the region's governance and civilian life.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's influence is pivotal in driving Israel's military strategy and political pressure amidst a fragile government.
Deep dives
Israel's Potential Military Strategy in Gaza
Israel has resumed military operations in Gaza, considering a significant ground invasion that would result in full military occupation of the territory. Analysis of classified military plans suggests that this operation would involve major forces occupying the region, limiting Palestinians to a designated civilian zone, while the military may take control of food distribution with minimal caloric intake. There are uncertainties regarding the timeline for these plans and whether they serve as a negotiation tactic aimed at pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Additionally, the mobilization of another army division for ground operations indicates a serious commitment to escalated military action.
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