Under the Biden administration, Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, was notably rebuked by the United States for his stance against a cease-fire in Gaza. In contrast, during the Trump administration, he has been welcomed in Washington, where U.S. officials are aligning with some of his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Smotrich met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday, describing the meeting as significant after a four-year period without ministerial-level discussions between the U.S. Treasury Department and the Israeli government. He expressed his appreciation for the meeting, stating, “we are now entering the Treasury Department.”
Following the meeting, Smotrich shared a photo of himself with Bessent on social media. Both officials issued a joint statement committing to “enhance collaboration” on various issues, including economic policy, technology, and financial regulation. They emphasized the importance of shaping a new strategic economic future for both nations.
This meeting underscores the Trump administration's acceptance of individuals and positions from Israel’s far right that have historically been rejected by the U.S. and condemned by many nations and rights activists. These positions include advocating for the mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal made by Trump last month, which experts argue would violate international law.
Smotrich has expressed full support for Trump's plan and has a history of backing Israeli occupation and indefinite rule over the West Bank. He plays a significant role in overseeing funds for the Palestinian Authority and has influence within the defense ministry, allowing him to promote Jewish settlements.
As a religious hard-liner and settler leader, Smotrich believes the West Bank was divinely promised to Jews. His actions to undermine the Palestinian Authority and bolster Jewish settlers have frustrated Biden officials, while Trump has appointed several individuals who share Smotrich’s views.
Trump has nominated former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a Christian Zionist, as ambassador to Israel, and U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, who supports Israel's biblical claims to the West Bank, as ambassador to the United Nations.
Globally, Jewish settlements in the West Bank are viewed as illegal, and many are also illegal under Israeli law. The territory is home to approximately three million Palestinians and about half a million Jewish settlers, with Palestinians living under military rule and lacking voting rights in Israel.
Israel has permitted settlement expansion, particularly in recent years, arguing that the territory's status is disputed and should be resolved through negotiations. Smotrich has used his finance minister position to threaten and restrict funds to the Palestinian Authority, which relies on tax transfers from Israel.
His actions have led to international tensions, including clashes with former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who cautioned against severing ties between Palestinian and Israeli banks. Smotrich's decision to release funds was influenced by recognition of a Palestinian state by three European nations, and he later extended a waiver under pressure from Yellen.
Smotrich has faced criticism from the Biden administration for his opposition to cease-fire agreements and hostage negotiations with Hamas. Some Democratic members of Congress previously called for sanctions against him, although an executive order for such measures has since been rescinded by Trump.
Smotrich’s visit to Washington has raised concerns among American Jewish organizations, who fear it may jeopardize truce talks between Israel and Hamas and could legitimize previously controversial positions. Hadar Susskind, president of New Jewish Narrative, expressed that the visit is being portrayed in Israeli media as a resurgence for a leader associated with racism and extremism.
In response to inquiries about Smotrich’s visit, a spokesman for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee stated that discussions between American and Israeli officials on shared concerns are beneficial for both nations.