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Israel's Smotrich Rivals Prime Minister Netanyahu in Influence : State of the World from NPR NPR has learned that Israel is considering a major ground invasion of Gaza to fully occupy the territory and establish a military rule over Palestinians there. We learn about this plan and hear about the influential minister who has repeatedly called for Israel to resettle the Gaza Strip. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threated to collapse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if the Gaza war ends. Our reporter talked to Smotrich and tells us about his rise to power.

State of the World from NPR

Israel's Powerful Finance Minister and the Future of the Gaza Strip

Israel's Powerful Finance Minister and the Future of the Gaza Strip

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Israeli Minister of finance and leader of National Zionism, Bezalel Smotrich, speaks to the press during a party meeting on February 5, 2024 in Jerusalem. Amir Levy/Getty Images hide caption

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Amir Levy/Getty Images

Israeli Minister of finance and leader of National Zionism, Bezalel Smotrich, speaks to the press during a party meeting on February 5, 2024 in Jerusalem.

Amir Levy/Getty Images

NPR has learned that Israel is considering a major ground invasion of Gaza to fully occupy the territory and establish a military rule over Palestinians there. We learn about this plan and hear about the influential minister who has repeatedly called for Israel to resettle the Gaza Strip. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threated to collapse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if the Gaza war ends. Our reporter talked to Smotrich and tells us about his rise to power.