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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent call to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state” was not an isolated remark but part of a concerning pattern that undermines the very principles upon which Israel was founded. In 2023, he declared the Palestinian people to be “an invention” and called for the West Bank village of Huwara to be “wiped out” — statements that have generated distress both among Palestinians and within the international community, including Israel’s closest allies. Such rhetoric, especially from a senior government official, risks eroding Israel’s moral standing, weakening its diplomatic relationships and threatening the foundations of its security.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has similarly contributed to heightened tensions, asserting that his “rights in the Land of Israel are more important” than those of Palestinians and advocating for changes to the status quo on the Temple Mount. Such actions and words carry the risk of igniting further instability in the region. The cumulative effect of these statements is to strain Israel’s relationships with its allies, threaten its long-term security and make the path to coexistence more difficult for future generations.

The consequences of such rhetoric are tangible and immediate. These statements provide adversaries with material to advance their own agendas, portraying Israel as resistant to peace and reinforcing cycles of radicalization. When extremism takes hold on one side, it too often fuels extremism on the other. It is incumbent upon Israel’s leaders to break this cycle and to demonstrate a commitment to peace and justice.

The diplomatic repercussions are already apparent. The US State Department has expressed its disapproval, while leaders across Europe have voiced serious concerns and some lawmakers are considering targeted measures. Even partners in the Abraham Accords have warned that such rhetoric could jeopardize the progress achieved toward normalization and cooperation. Responsible leadership must carefully safeguard these achievements, not place them at risk.

The voices of extremism do not represent the broad, diverse and often moderate consensus of the Jewish people.

Ronald S. Lauder

The vast majority of Jews, both in Israel and throughout the diaspora, reject this form of extremism. They understand that such positions distract from Israel’s legitimate security concerns and move the conversation away from pragmatic, peaceful solutions. This is not the vision that Theodor Herzl or the founders of Israel had for the state — a vision rooted in safety, democracy and moral purpose for all its citizens.

Herzl’s vision for Israel was clear: a state grounded in justice, coexistence and the highest civic values. In his writings, Herzl advocated for a nation that would uphold dignity and equality for all its inhabitants, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Upholding these ideals is essential not only for earning international respect but for ensuring Israel’s own security and future. Departing from these principles risks isolating Israel and undermining its standing among nations.

The voices of extremism do not represent the broad, diverse and often moderate consensus of the Jewish people. Such ideologies narrow Israel’s prospects, empower its critics and make the prospect of a lasting peace more remote. True leadership seeks to expand the horizons of possibility, not limit them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government bear the responsibility to speak clearly: these views do not reflect the values or official position of Israel. In such critical times, silence may be misconstrued as acceptance. As the Torah instructs: “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” — justice, justice you shall pursue. Israel’s leaders must ensure their words and actions foster justice, peace and unity for all who call the nation home.

History will judge whether Israel’s leaders chose the path of vision, responsibility and unity or whether they allowed the nation’s moral compass to be surrendered to voices of division. The choice before us is clear and the responsibility lies with those who lead.

• Ronald S. Lauder is president of the World Jewish Congress. X: @lauder_ronald