What it is about
Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has stirred significant conversation by categorizing the Palestinians as part of Iran’s “axis of evil”. He urges Western allies, particularly the U.S., to address the Iranian regime, emphasizing the critical necessity to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities threatening Israel and Western nations.
Why it matters
This statement underscores Israel’s ongoing strategic stance against Iranian influence in the region and its impact on regional stability. Smotrich’s assertion highlights the complex geopolitical alliances and tensions in the Middle East, pressing Western powers to act decisively in backing Israel to incapacitate forces undermining peace and security.
Details
Speaking at a conference, Smotrich argued for a future freed from adversaries to Israel’s existence. He spotlighted the emerging strength both regionally and globally, advocating for a unifying national identity and alliance west of the Jordan River, led by Jewish sovereignty.
The remarks are made against the background of alliances such as the Abraham Accords, realigning regional powers towards prosperity and away from conflict. Smotrich highlights the role of ideologies and groups he believes are detrimental to peace, emphasizing that “the Palestinians are deeply embedded within Iran’s axis of evil.”
The broader context
Declaring that both Palestinians residents and their authorities have aligned with aggressors, Smotrich underlined the importance of Western decisions to reshape a new Middle East devoid of hostile threats. By focusing efforts on toppling linked adversaries, such as the Iranian regime, nuclear capabilities threatening world peace would be confined, influencing broader regional and global stability positively.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.