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Recent comments by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding ºÚÁÏÉçÇø are shameful and troubling. Unfortunately, they reflect a mindset that risks undermining the very fabric of the state of Israel and Jewish relationships in the Middle East.

Such remarks represent a strain of divisive rhetoric that threatens to erode the reputation we have worked so hard to build.

Across Israel and the global Jewish community, there is an urgent concern about the rise of voices that often resort to demagoguery instead of wisdom.

These voices isolate us and weaken the standing of Israel and Jewish communities in the world. Those who indulge in such expressions may believe they are protecting their nation and communities. Unfortunately, they are jeopardizing the broader interests of Jewish communities worldwide and alienating potential allies of the state of Israel.

As president of the World Jewish Congress, representing diverse communities around the globe, I must assert unequivocally that Smotrich’s comments about ºÚÁÏÉçÇø do not reflect the sentiments of the majority of Jews. His comments are symptomatic of a larger issue in the current Israeli government — an inclination toward provocation over partnership.

Therefore, Israel now faces a pivotal moment, one where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must choose whether to let this divisive rhetoric shape its public image or to rise above it, reaffirming its commitment to dignity, wisdom, and moral clarity.

Smotrich’s comments are symptomatic of a larger issue in the current Israeli government — an inclination toward provocation over partnership.

Ronald S. Lauder

Leaders need the courage to confront not only external threats, but also internal ones posed by people in our own communities whose rhetoric seeks to divide groups and undermine interfaith relations. The way forward must be built on mutual respect and collaboration across the region, rather than on political theatrics or short-term gains.

Netanyahu knows well what impact the potential of normalization with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has — not just for Israel, but for the entire Middle East. Establishing a partnership with the Kingdom, the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, would surely also advance Jewish-Muslim relations and foster peace. However, this endeavor requires an Israeli leadership that inspires confidence and speaks with dignity, respect, and understanding for Saudi and Arab culture, and the Muslim faith.

In my interactions with Saudi leaders, diplomats, media figures, and entrepreneurs, I have witnessed their intelligence, creativity, and genuine desire for constructive dialogue. These engagements reveal a shared vision for the future — one built on cooperation, innovation, and mutual respect, rather than suspicion and hostility.

Recently, I was honored to be invited to address a conference organized by the Saudi Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Munich Security Conference. I was meant to share the Jewish perspective on the conflict with Hamas. Although I was unable to attend due to the Jewish High Holidays, my recorded remarks were included in full, showcasing ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s commitment to dialogue — a spirit we should embrace and nurture.

Yet for dialogue to hold meaning, it must rest on a foundation of respect and consistency. Even if Smotrich has apologized for his remarks, the damage is done. And it should be a reminder that words matter and have the power to heal or harm. More than ever, Israel, the Middle East, and Jewish communities worldwide need voices that build bridges, not walls.

We are confronted with immense challenges: Iran’s destabilizing actions, threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, and the rise of ideologies that thrive on hatred. These challenges cannot be met by alienating potential partners through arrogance or contempt.

Jewish communities in the US and around the world are faced with rising antisemitism and efforts to delegitimize the right of Israel to exist. As a Jewish leader, I see most Jews worldwide yearn for peace, stability, and a region in which Israel is recognized as a reliable and respectful partner. This path fortifies not only Israel’s future but also strengthens Jewish communities everywhere.

The mission of bridge builders — and I see myself as one — transcends politics; it is fundamentally about morality.

We must, therefore, embrace integrity, compassion, and the courage to pursue peace even when the circumstances are difficult. When leaders resort to inflammatory language, they unwittingly empower those who seek to harm both Israel and the Jewish people.

The road to peace and security cannot be paved with contempt; it must be forged through cooperation and understanding.

My message to the prime minister of Israel is clear: If you aspire to be a builder of bridges and to foster peace for Israel in the region, particularly with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, it is crucial to choose wisely those who serve in your government.

This could pave the way for a renewed commitment to peace and cooperation that the Middle East so desperately needs. And it would be the most potent weapon against those who are threatening Israel and peace in the whole Middle East.

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