Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is set to visit Washington shortly to engage in discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The meeting, expected to take place around March 8-9, aims to fortify economic and political collaboration between the two nations, according to Smotrich’s spokesperson, Eitan Fuld.
The upcoming encounter marks the inaugural face-to-face dialogue between Smotrich, an ardent supporter of Israeli settlements, and an official from the Trump administration. These talks could significantly influence U.S. policy regarding the settlements, regarded as illegal by most of the international community. Fuld emphasized the intent to enhance bilateral ties and address various professional topics during the discussions.
Smotrich is a pivotal figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, advocating for actions such as reclaiming control of Gaza, reconstructing Jewish settlements dismantled in 2005, and endorsing what he terms voluntary emigration of numerous Palestinians from the region.
The visit follows President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers accused of perpetrating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. This policy shift signals an administration keen on backing Israel’s settlement expansion and exhibiting less tolerance toward Palestinian grievances. In his previous term, Trump staunchly supported Israel, and his inner circle now largely consists of pro-settlement advisors.
Lately, Trump proposed the removal of over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza, suggesting the transformation of the enclave into a leisure destination. On Wednesday, he showcased an artificial intelligence-produced video on his platform, Truth Social, depicting Gaza as a luxury resort including a golden statue in his likeness.
Smotrich has called for annexing the West Bank and pressing Netanyahu to assert Israeli dominion over it during a recent U.S. visit by the prime minister. Israel seized the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast conflict and established roughly 130 settlements along with numerous outposts, aiming to strengthen its hold. Palestinians consider the area crucial for establishing their future state, claiming that the settlements hinder aspirations for sovereignty.
Smotrich’s rapport with President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration has been strained, particularly after sanctions were imposed on several Israelis for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. As a resident of the West Bank settlement Kedumim, Smotrich’s actions, including financial measures that adversely affect the Palestinian Authority, have often irked Democratic leaders.
Notably, Smotrich extended a financial agreement allowing Israeli and Palestinian banks to engage in transactions at the last minute, a month-long measure that prevented expiration last October. Eventually, the Israeli Cabinet granted a one-year extension in December, following pressure from former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other international leaders, warning of economic collapse in Palestinian territories if the deal wasn’t renewed.
Attempts to secure comments from the U.S. Treasury, the White House, and the Palestinian Monetary Authority on this issue remain unanswered.
