In a recent documentary, Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined plans for a Jewish State that encompasses all of Palestinian territory up to the Jordan River, as well as ambitions to extend to territories in Egypt and the Syrian capital of Damascus, as well as territories reaching Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The documentary titled Israel: Extremists in Power, produced by Arte Reportage, a Franco-German news magazine, was released this month. It centers on two extremist ministers: National Security Minister Itamar ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. In the documentary, Smotrich expresses his desire for a “Jewish state,” stating, “It is written that the future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus.” He further claims that this vision includes territories in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and even Saudi Arabia. The documentary underscores that, while this perspective may seem extreme, it is already accepted as part of the public discourse in Israel. When the interviewer asked if Smotrich believed the borders of the Jewish state should go beyond the Jordan River, he replied, “Absolutely, but slowly… Our esteemed religious elders used to say that the future of Jerusalem would extend as far…
