Israeli Finance Minister Calls for Annexation of Parts of Gaza and Lebanon

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for Israel to annex territory in both Gaza and Lebanon. He specified that Israel should extend its control at least up to the 'yellow line' in Gaza and as far as the Litani River in Lebanon. Smotrich framed the move as a deterrent, arguing it would discourage enemy states and groups from initiating conflict with Israel. The statement reflects the hardline position held by a faction within Israel's current governing coalition. Such calls for territorial annexation are likely to draw significant international scrutiny and criticism.