On video: Not only Vogel: Smotrich also says that Hvara should be "erased" (TheMarker Labels financial conference)
The US State Department has held discussions in recent days regarding the question of whether to refuse to grant a diplomatic visa to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ahead of his visit to the US in about a week, and this against the background of his call to "erase" the Palestinian village of Hawara, senior American and Israeli officials have confirmed.
His words are "repulsive, disgusting and irresponsible".
Bezalel Smotrich (Photo: Roni Kanfo)
why is it important
If Smotrich does not receive a visa and is forced to cancel his visit to the US, it will be an unprecedented event in relations between the US and Israel.
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• Smotrich is expected to arrive in Washington next week to participate in a conference of the Bundes Organization.
Ministers are equipped with a diplomatic passport, and therefore the Ministry of Finance asked the US Embassy in Israel to obtain a diplomatic visa for him that also includes immunity.
• On Wednesday, a few hours after Smotrich's words, the spokesman for the US State Department, Ned Price, issued a sharp condemnation and said that the words of the Israeli Minister of Finance are "Repulsive, disgusting and irresponsible".
• After the condemnation notice, consultations began at the US State Department on whether to give Smotrich a visa for his visit to the US or to reject his request in an unprecedented manner.
A senior American said that no decision has been made on the matter yet.
• The consultations held by the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the case of Smotrich were reported for the first time in News 12.
Behind the Scenes
• An Israeli official said that US State Department officials hinted in conversations with Israeli diplomats that they would be happy if Smotrich did not come to the planned visit to Washington.
• American officials said that in any case no American official would meet him if he finally arrives in Washington.
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Bezalel Smotrich
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