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Consider This from NPR

Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.

Mar 28, 2025
Hadil al-Shalchi, NPR's correspondent, dives into the tumultuous rise of Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist leader reshaping Israeli politics. Once considered fringe, Smotrich now plays a crucial role as finance minister during heightened military actions against Hamas. The discussion unveils his ambitions for the Gaza Strip and the complexities of political coalition-building amid public protests and Netanyahu's legal challenges. Al-Shalchi sheds light on the growing influence of religious Zionism and its implications for both Israeli and Palestinian communities.
11:13
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Hadil al-Shalchi

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Bezalel Smotrich's rise as a key political figure showcases the increasing influence of ultranationalist sentiments in shaping Israel's war strategies.
  • Public protests against the war emphasize a growing dissent in Israel towards military action, highlighting tensions between political survival and public safety concerns.

Deep dives

Public Opposition to War Resumption

A significant movement has emerged in Israel opposing the resumption of war against Hamas, with over 100,000 people protesting in various cities. The protesters argue that continuing military action could jeopardize the lives of hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza, with some calling it murder if an agreement isn't reached. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been criticized for prioritizing political survival over public sentiment, as he faces pressure from coalition partners like the ultra-nationalist finance minister Betzalel Smotrich. This complex political landscape suggests that Netanyahu's decision-making is heavily influenced by the need to maintain his government coalition rather than the broader public opinion against the war.

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