Analysis

Far-right ministers endanger Israel's ties with US

Statements by senior Israeli officials in favor of "wiping out" the Palestinian Huwara village, as well as calls for the US "to mind its own business," are threatening the strategically important alliance between the two countries.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat look on during a press conference at the prime minister's office, Jerusalem, Jan. 25, 2023.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat look on during a press conference at the prime minister's office, Jerusalem, Jan. 25, 2023. - Ronen Zvulun/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Ben Caspit headshot
Ben Caspit
@BenCaspit

TEL AVIV — An unnamed National Security Council spokesperson told the American press on Thursday that no meetings were planned for next week between Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and any American officials, not even officials in the US Treasury department.

Smotrich is scheduled to arrive in Washington for the annual event of Israel Bonds organization, taking place on March 12-14.

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