In brief
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent visit to Washington highlights a significant pivot in U.S.-Israeli relations, as he finds renewed acceptance from U.S. officials after years of isolation.
March 5, 2025, 3:03 p.m. ET - In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, was welcomed in Washington, meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday. This marks a stark contrast to Smotrich’s prior treatment under the Biden administration, where he faced direct criticism for his stance on issues like the Gaza cease-fire and support for West Bank settlers."After four years during which, under the Biden administration, there was no ministerial-level meeting between the U.S. Treasury Department and the Israeli government, we are now entering the Treasury Department," Smotrich conveyed in a statement. He characterized the meeting as "very important," a sentiment echoed by the current U.S. administration's shift towards views similar to his regarding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Taking to social media following the meeting, Smotrich shared a photo of the handshake with Bessent, highlighting their agreement to bolster cooperation on various fronts including economic policies, technology, and financial regulations. "This is a critical time to shape a new strategic economic future for both countries, reinforcing American global leadership and Israel’s role as a key economic partner," Smotrich affirmed. This engagement underscores a potential realignment in U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, drawing attention to the implications for future negotiations and collaborations between the two nations.
