Israeli Finance Minister and settlement official Bezalel Smotrich has declared that Israel intends to expand its territorial reach into the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, outlining what he described as a combined military and political strategy.
Speaking during the inauguration of a new settlement on Thursday, Smotrich stated that Israeli policy has traditionally prioritised military action before translating those gains into political outcomes. He acknowledged criticism that military achievements have not been matched by political progress, but insisted that this phase is now approaching.
Political Expansion Framed as Strategic Objective
Smotrich detailed a three-track political plan tied to ongoing military operations. In Gaza, he said Israel would pursue measures to expand its boundaries. In Lebanon, he indicated that expansion would extend as far as the Litani River, establishing what he described as defensible borders. A third track, he added, would extend into Syrian territory, reaching the summit of Mount Beit She’an and surrounding security zones at a minimum.
He framed these objectives as necessary for strengthening security, claiming such actions are what command respect in the region.
West Bank: Final Diplomatic Phase
Addressing the occupied West Bank, referred to by Israeli officials as “Judea and Samaria”, Smotrich said Israel is entering what he described as a final diplomatic phase. According to his remarks, this stage is intended to eliminate the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state.
Citing a report by Channel 12, he further emphasised that state power is built on a combination of military strength, political will, faith, and nationalism.
Escalation in Lebanon and Regional Context
In March, Smotrich had already stated that Israel should extend its northern boundary to the Litani River deep inside southern Lebanon. These remarks coincided with intensified Israeli military operations targeting infrastructure, including bridges and residential areas.
His latest statements mark one of the clearest and most explicit acknowledgements by a senior Israeli official regarding intentions to seize Lebanese territory, under the pretext of confronting fighters from Hezbollah, which Israel accuses of being backed by Iran.
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on 2 March after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory. Since then, Israel has ordered the evacuation of all residents south of the Litani River and carried out sustained airstrikes across the region, citing Hezbollah’s presence and continued rocket fire.
