Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has advocated for the reconstruction of a Jewish temple on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the expansion of Israel’s borders and Jewish settlements in Gaza.
In a speech at a Jerusalem Day rally on Monday, which commemorates Israel’s occupation of the old city of Jerusalem, Smotrich emphasized the need for “complete redemption” and the reconstruction of “the Temple here,” mentioning the previous raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque by settlers.
Smotrich asserted, “We are conquering the Land of Israel, liberating Gaza, settling Gaza and defeating the enemy,” as crowds chanted “death to Arabs” while marching through Jerusalem’s Old City, where they attacked Palestinians.
He added, “With God’s help, we will expand Israel’s borders, bring about complete redemption, and rebuild the Temple here.” Smotrich reiterated his calls for Jewish settlement in Gaza, claiming that “Israel is not afraid of the word occupation.”
“Some people are afraid of victory. We are not afraid of victory,” he stated, encouraging support for “our brave and heroic fighters.”
The Jerusalem Day celebrations saw numerous incidents of violence, with videos capturing attacks and confrontations during the marches.
Smotrich has consistently promoted the idea of extending Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and Gaza as part of his vision for a “Greater Israel.” Earlier this month, he declared that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and urged for the Palestinian population to “leave in great numbers to third countries.”
He further announced plans to “apply sovereignty” in the occupied West Bank before the next Israeli general elections scheduled for October 2026.
“Within a few months, we will be able to declare that we have won. Gaza will be totally destroyed,” Smotrich stated. “In another six months, Hamas won’t exist as a functioning entity.”