Why did Israel restart the war? One answer: Bezalel Smotrich.

Bezalel Smotrich’s views were once fringe in Israel. He’s an ultranationalist West Bank settler, who has repeatedly called for Israel to resettle the Gaza Strip.

Today, as finance minister, he’s a key figure influencing the future of Israel’s war against Hamas.

NPR’s Hadeel Al-Shalchi has the story of Smotrich’s rise to power in Israel politics.

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Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

March 28, 2025
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Treatment of Minorities In Pakistan Followed Closely And Taken Up On International Level: EAM S Jaishankar In Parliament

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, highlighted India’s close monitoring of crimes and atrocities against minorities in Pakistan and its efforts to raise these issues internationally. He detailed 10 incidents involving attacks on Hindus in February 2025, including seven cases of abduction and forced conversion, two cases of abduction, and one incident of

March 28, 2025
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India Must Act Urgently On Quantum Technology, Says Lt Gen Seth

Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth recently underscored the critical importance of quantum technology for India’s defence and strategic autonomy during a seminar in Pune titled "Quantum Technology Impact on Future Warfare and Way Ahead." He emphasised that mastering quantum technology is as transformative as nuclear weapons were in the 20th century, offering unparalleled advantages in

March 28, 2025
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