The finance minister’s statements calling for West Bank and Gaza annexation often draw sharp international condemnation, as well as criticism for harming Israel’s global standing.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he drew a line with Netanyahu and had a necessary role in returning the hostages after October 7.

Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "complete the conquest" of Gaza on Monday to make way for Israeli settlers to…