In brief
Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, has seen a dramatic change in U.S. relations following years of contention under the Biden administration, leading to a significant meeting addressing bilateral economic cooperation.
In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on March 5, 2025. This meeting comes after Smotrich had faced significant backlash from the Biden administration due to his controversial stances, particularly his opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza and his backing of Jewish settlements in the West Bank."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 remarked, highlighting the significance of the occasion.Following the meeting, Smotrich took to social media to share a photo of himself with Bessent, expressing optimism about their discussions. The two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration on a range of topics, including economic policy, technology, and financial regulation. Smotrich emphasized the importance of shaping a new strategic economic partnership between Israel and the United States, reinforcing the latter's global leadership role while positioning Israel as a crucial economic ally.This meeting marks a critical turning point in U.S.-Israeli relations, suggesting a convergence of views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflecting changes in the U.S. administration's stance under President Trump. The implications of this newly established rapport could significantly influence future economic and strategic alignments in the region.
