Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
Politician · concept
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Bezalel Smotrich on International Law

Rejects applicability of law (strong)

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich has publicly suggested that aspects of international law do not apply to Jewish people in specific contexts.

Key Points

  • He asserted that international law does not apply to Jewish people during an event in February 2024.

  • His comments in August 2024 suggested support for extreme measures that prompted reminders about international humanitarian law from the EU.

  • Smotrich is noted for a gradual political struggle to annex the West Bank, a goal in tension with international legal frameworks regarding occupied territories.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, has expressed views that suggest a selective or conditional application of international legal frameworks, particularly concerning actions involving Jewish people. One notable instance involved an assertion that international law does not apply to Jews, a statement circulated widely via social media platforms. This position aligns with broader ideological stances within his political sphere regarding national sovereignty and territorial claims, which sometimes prioritize religious or national narratives over established international norms.

Further context for his stance includes highly controversial remarks regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where he appeared to support severe measures against civilians. These comments, which included suggesting the starvation of two million people, prompted strong reactions from international bodies, including the European External Action Service, which stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. His overall stance reflects a political disposition that challenges the universal relevance of international agreements when they conflict with his perceived national or religious imperatives.

Key Quotes

There are no half measures ... Rafah, Deir al-Balah, Nuseirat – total annihiliation. 'Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.' There is no place for them under heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich has taken a strong stance that appears to reject the universal application of international law, particularly when it pertains to Jewish people. His position is characterized by making public statements that explicitly question the law's relevance to them in certain situations.

There is no indication that Bezalel Smotrich has formally changed his core stance on international law; rather, his public pronouncements suggest a consistent ideological view. His strong statements regarding exceptions to the law have been reported across various instances.

Regarding Gaza, Bezalel Smotrich made comments implying support for severe restrictions on the civilian population, which drew international condemnation. International bodies reminded him and the government that they must abide by international humanitarian law during conflict.