Israeli regime Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy with statements calling for a new border framework that would include Gaza, the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon under a broader annexation vision.

The far-right minister made remarks that further escalated regional tensions, reiterating expansionist positions during an interview with FM 103 radio, where he commented on Israel’s ongoing military operations and political objectives.

Smotrich argued that “Israel’s borders” should be reshaped across a wide geographical area including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, insisting that the current regional conflict must end with a redrawing of territorial boundaries.

He stated that the war should conclude with changes to what he described as the state’s borders across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, framing the outcome as a territorial reconfiguration driven by the conflict.

The minister, who has previously clashed at times with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also claimed he holds significant influence over the direction of the war, saying, “I have a lot of influence over the war,” highlighting his role within the government.

Smotrich openly reiterated annexation demands, stating that if it were up to him, the territories in question would have already been formally incorporated under Israeli control.

He further emphasized that territorial control remains the primary objective, saying that what matters is not the scale of military operations but how much land is taken, comments widely viewed as reflecting a hardline expansionist ideology.

The remarks have drawn strong criticism internationally, as they explicitly extend beyond Palestinian territories and include references to Syria and Lebanon, intensifying concerns over wider regional destabilization amid ongoing conflict dynamics. (ILKHA)