Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has advocated for the creation of a Jewish state that would encompass all Palestinian territories and neighboring Arab territories, including the Syrian capital of Damascus. 

Smotrich, in an interview for the Arte documentary 'Israel: Extremists in Power', said he hopes to expand Israel's borders deep into Arab land, according to Jewish scripture. 

"It is written that the future of Jerusalem is to expand to Damascus," he was quoted as saying. 

This Jewish state, he said, must extend into Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the long-standing vision of many Israeli ultra and religious nationalists for significant territorial expansion across the Middle East.

Arte’s latest documentary examines the views and potential policies of members of the most right-wing government in Israeli history, focusing on Smotrich and fellow far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, against the backdrop of the war on Gaza.  

It also highlighted how Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have gained considerable political influence, further deepening divisions within Israeli society and exacerbating the plight of Palestinians. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has relied on the support of the far-right figures, particularly following the resignation of former Defence Minister Benny Gantz from the emergency war cabinet. 

Gantz left amid disagreements over strategies in the Gaza war and the how to approach the issue of Israeli captives being held by Hamas.