Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described military operations in southern Lebanon as "thorough cleansing" and claimed displaced residents have "nowhere to return to." He added that "the world isn't stopping us."
The remarks drew immediate comparisons to historical ethnic cleansing campaigns. Critics note that drawing such parallels often triggers accusations of antisemitism from Israeli officials.
The statements come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which have displaced thousands of civilians and destroyed significant infrastructure in border areas.
The remarks drew immediate comparisons to historical ethnic cleansing campaigns. Critics note that drawing such parallels often triggers accusations of antisemitism from Israeli officials.
The statements come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which have displaced thousands of civilians and destroyed significant infrastructure in border areas.