Smotrich says Iranian regime must be destroyed

Smotrich rejected the idea of any diplomatic deal with Tehran unless it includes sweeping restrictions.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iranian Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel faces an intolerable reality so long as Iran’s ruling system remains in power, describing it as a direct and ongoing existential threat in remarks to Arutz Sheva – Israel National News.

“The Iranian leadership operates as a terror regime,” Smotrich said. “It speaks openly about wiping out Israel and follows through by developing both conventional and unconventional weapons while building a ring of hostile forces around us. That is a situation we cannot accept. Either they destroy us, or we bring about their downfall.”

He acknowledged that Jerusalem and Washington may differ over tactics in confronting Tehran but pointed to what he called unusually close coordination between Israel and the current US administration.

“I have never seen ties this close between Israel, the American administration, and the prime minister,” he said. “I hope this closeness will also lead to clear understandings on Iran.”

Smotrich rejected the idea of any diplomatic deal with Tehran unless it includes sweeping restrictions.

“There should be no agreement, and certainly not a flawed one,” he said. “If an accord is reached, it must require Iran to stop developing ballistic missiles that threaten Israel and to end funding for terrorism and proxy groups across the region.”

Asked whether a military strike remains a possibility, he declined to elaborate. “Do not expect operational discussions in the media,” Smotrich said. “Every option remains available.”

Turning to domestic politics, the leader of the Religious Zionist Party criticized tensions with haredi factions over the state budget.

“Using the budget as leverage is irresponsible,” he said, adding that he will continue advancing tax reductions, increased competition in banking, lower credit costs, and the dismantling of monopolies.

Reflecting on his party’s electoral struggles despite its role in wartime and economic policy, Smotrich quoted late minister Uri Orbach: “We succeeded too much.” He argued that the national-religious public’s integration into broader society sometimes makes voters hesitant to back a party viewed as sectoral.

“We are not a sectoral movement,” he said, adding that his aim is to place the values of the people, the land, and the Torah at the center of Israel’s mainstream political life.