Politics1 min read

Smotrich says Israel should ‘annex’ territory it occupies in Gaza and Lebanon

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Kulanu party advocates for annexation of at least up to the lines Israel currently occupies in Gaza and Lebanon, with a potential further annexation of Hezbollah's positions if attacked again. This reflects a nationalist and expansionist agenda that aligns with the far-right's broader narrative of annexation as a means to achieve greater political and territorial control.

Key points

  • Annexation of territory held by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.: Annexation of territory held by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.
  • Potential further annexation to include Hezbollah's positions if attacked again.: Potential further annexation to include Hezbollah's positions if attacked again.
  • Aligns with the far-right's broader narrative of annexation.: Aligns with the far-right's broader narrative of annexation.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

This is an entry from: Live: IRGC says three tankers hit mines crossing Hormuz strait

Smotrich says Israel should ‘annex’ territory it occupies in Gaza and Lebanon

21 October 2026 03:55 BST

Speaking on a podcast, far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel should annex territory it currently occupies in Gaza and Lebanon in order to "make them truly feel the cost of their mistake and the cost of their defeat".

"We need to annex at least up to the lines we’re currently holding. And if Hezbollah attacks again, then all the way to Beirut. And if they attack, then even beyond that," he said.

“We need to annex at least up to the lines we’re currently holding. And if Hezbollah attacks again, then all the way to Beirut." Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel should annex land it occupies in Gaza and Lebanon to “make them truly feel the cost of their mistake." https://t.co/a7kIEPM40W

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 20, 2026

Original source: www.middleeasteye.net

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