Israeli finance minister calls for expanding military operations, annexing parts of Gaza and Lebanon

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stirred debate by advocating for military expansion, including the annexation of territories in the West Bank, Gaza, and southern Lebanon. The far-right politician spoke on a podcast with Israeli news outlet Ynet, suggesting that victory lines from the current conflict should serve as the basis for territorial claims.

Specifically, Smotrich called for the annexation of Gaza up to the "yellow line" and the expansion to the Litani River in Lebanon, asserting that a cease-fire at the conflict's starting points would leave the enemy emboldened to resume hostilities. He also reiterated his stance on the West Bank, advocating for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, which he claims harbors terrorist elements.

The finance minister's remarks come amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, where post-Gaza war violence has led to additional settler attacks, resulting in fatalities among Palestinians and the desecration of their property, according to eyewitness accounts.