In Paris, a single Israeli minister’s silence stirred a national uproar
An official from Israel’s new government spoke without words, yet the reaction from an entire country was loud. Addressing the person responsible for finance in Israel from the podium in Paris on a recent Monday, Bezalel Smotrich sparked anger with a gesture and a claim that carried a broader political message. He presented a map of Israel that, in his view, included Jordan, portions of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria, along with the lands seen as historic Palestine. The claim that “Palestine has no people” intensified the clash over borders and identity, raising alarms across the region.
Observers described the remarks as provocative and racist, urging the international community to condemn them. As the press conference in Amman continued, an official source noted to Reuters that the remarks did not reflect the official stance of Jewish leaders in Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs later reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the territorial integrity of Jordan under the peace framework, emphasizing there had been no change in policy.
Smotrich asserted that there are no Palestinians as a people today and reiterated a map that encompassed historic lands beyond the traditional borders. The imagery pointed to a future that would redraw maps and, to many, suggested a plan for displacement. A post from a prominent journalist captured the moment, highlighting a vision of expansion that some viewed as a call for drastic measures.
Spokespersons from Jordan’s Foreign Ministry criticized Smotrich’s actions as a reckless provocation that breached international norms and the Jordan-Israel peace treaty. After summoning the Israeli ambassador, officials urged Israel to take a clear and open stance on the matter. The Jordanian side also stressed that Israel remains committed to the 1994 peace accord, a point reiterated on social media by the ministry.
Smotrich’s map presented a version of “Greater Israel” that some early Zionist thinkers described more than a century ago. The term Eretz Yisrael Hashlema in Hebrew has been used in different ways over time, carrying varied biblical and political meanings. Theodor Herzl, a founder of modern Zionism, argued for a robust Jewish state. Today, ultranationalist voices within Israel speak of borders that extend beyond the conventional lines, sometimes including areas in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The discussion touches on a long history and a controversial vision that continues to shape debates around land, sovereignty, and national identity.
“Huwara must be addressed”
Smotrich’s recent actions are not the first to provoke international reactions. In the aftermath of violence in the occupied West Bank, settlers carried out attacks on homes and vehicles in a Palestinian village, with casualties reported. Some leaders within Israel have drawn sharp criticism for statements that appeared to endorse harsh responses. The regional fallout prompted international figures to urge restraint and emphasize the need for calm and adherence to existing agreements.
Global responses followed, with leaders in Europe and the Middle East weighing in. Josep Borrell, head of the European Union’s foreign policy, called the comments intolerable. A spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated concerns about statements that could distort facts about history and geography and undermine efforts for peace between Palestinians and Israelis. The conversation underscored the fragile balance between political expression and the commitments that underpin regional stability.
[CITATION: Reuters] Throughout these developments, allied countries and international bodies have continued to monitor the situation closely, pressing for clarifications and a reinforced commitment to peace processes in the region.