Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted on Sunday to ease global outrage following a call by a far-right member of his government to "erase" a Palestinian village that has seen unrest, describing the comments as "inappropriate." However, Netanyahu did not blame Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and instead accused external forces of downplaying violent actions committed by Palestinians, such as the killing of two Israeli brothers in the village of Huwara on February 26, which sparked riots perpetrated by settlers there.
Last week, Smotrich affirmed his opposition to retaliatory violence but insisted that Israel should "erase Huwara." The U.S. State Department characterized these comments as "irresponsible," "disgusting," and stated that Netanyahu should reject and denounce them. A UN human rights official reported that Smotrich made "an incomprehensible statement inciting violence."
As Israeli media speculated that the U.S. administration might overlook Smotrich during his upcoming visit to Washington next week, which would complicate relations with Netanyahu's government, the Israeli minister walked back his comments but did not issue an apology. He emphasized to Channel 12 that his choice of words was "ill-expressed out of discomfort."
Palestinians urged the U.S. administration not to host Smotrich, while Netanyahu stated that he is responsible for Israeli diplomacy, not coalition partners like Smotrich. In a tweet, Netanyahu stated, "It is important for all of us to work on reducing the rhetoric and softening the atmosphere." He thanked Smotrich for clarifying that "his choice of words... was inappropriate."
Netanyahu added, "I am still waiting for a condemnation from the Palestinian Authority regarding the murder of the Yaniv brothers." He continued, "Israel expects the international community to insist that the Palestinian Authority condemn this attack. The international community did not only fail to do this but continued to turn a blind eye to the incitement from the Palestinian Authority."
For his part, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price remarked in a statement on Twitter last Thursday, "Just as we condemn Palestinian incitement to violence, we condemn Finance Minister Smotrich's provocative statements, which also amount to incitement to violence. It is essential for Palestinians and Israelis to work together to restore calm."
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 62 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have been killed since the start of 2023. Israel reported that 13 Israelis and a Ukrainian tourist were killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians during the same period. The brothers killed in Huwara were from a nearby Jewish settlement, which Palestinians consider to be encroachers on the land of the occupied West Bank that they wish to include in their future state. Most global powers do not recognize the legitimacy of the settlements, a stance that Israel disputes.
Following the shooting of the brothers in their car by an assailant who fled the scene, settlers rioted in Huwara. A Palestinian was shot dead, dozens were injured, and vehicles were set on fire. Israel arrested 10 suspects in connection with the riots. Smotrich is scheduled to attend a meeting of Israel Bonds on March 12, where a senior representative from the U.S. government is also expected to participate. The name of the speaker has not been disclosed.
