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Bezalel Smotrich

News and updates about Bezalel Smotrich

IDF recognizes jurisdictions of two Judea and Samaria communities

IDF Central Command Commanding Officer Avi Bluth signed an official order recognizing the jurisdictions of Ahiya and Adorim, a substantial move that will advance construction and development plans.

IDF recognizes jurisdictions of two Judea and Samaria communities

Smotrich's policy: Enforcement in Gush Etzion

'We won't allow Arab takeover of national lands,' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says.

Smotrich's policy: Enforcement in Gush Etzion

Smotrich:

'We will fight till we crush our enemies; there is no other way'

'Hamas is collapsing, Hezbollah has fallen apart, Iran is deterred, but you can't expect victory overnight. We continue to fight,' Finance Minister Smotrich says on war.

'We will fight till we crush our enemies; there is no other way'

'He wants the next fallen soldier'

Lapid's insane allegation about Smotrich

Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid attacks Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, says he isn't interested in bringing hostages home.

Lapid's insane allegation about Smotrich

Smotrich's ultimatum:

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israel to set an ultimatum for Hamas if it would continue to delay the release of hostages.

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Freed hostage's cousin confronts Minister Smotrich

Eyal Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon who was freed from Hamas captivity, interrupts Smotrich's remarks during a meeting of the Religious Zionist Party, before being removed by security.

Freed hostage's cousin confronts Minister Smotrich

War widows support Smotrich

A group of war widows wrote to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'We support you and your struggle for the same path that called to our husbands.'

War widows support Smotrich

Smotrich:

'Cabinet must immediately implement Trump's plan'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for israel to immediately adopt Trump's plan to relocate Gazans, and added that the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria should be sent away as well.

'Cabinet must immediately implement Trump's plan'

Smotrich:

'The comparisons to the Holocaust are wrong'

Finance Minister criticizes the use of Holocaust-related terms when discussing the hostages: The suffering of our hostages in Hamas' cruel captivity is heartbreaking, but comparisons to the Holocaust are a serious mistake and trivialize the Holocaust.

'The comparisons to the Holocaust are wrong'

Sovereignty and Security:

Smotrich conveys message to Netanyahu before meeting with Trump

'We must strengthen our hold and sovereignty over our homeland territories in Judea and Samaria,' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expresses support for PM Netanyahu ahead of his meeting with US President Trump.

Smotrich conveys message to Netanyahu before meeting with Trump

Smotrich:

'We must eliminate the crowds at the release ceremony'

Bezalel Smotrich denounced the Hamas release ceremony and called for the Palestinian Arabs taking part to be eliminated.

'We must eliminate the crowds at the release ceremony'

'Government will remain stable'

Degel Hatorah rejects Deri and Smotrich's threats

Despite threats of elections if draft law is not passed within two months, Deputy Minister Uri Maklev says the government has overcome many challenges and will remain stable.

Degel Hatorah rejects Deri and Smotrich's threats

Smotrich threatens: 'We'll dissolve the Knesset'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tells haredi parties he won't compromise on Draft Law, says he has no problem 'passing the budget and dissolving the Knesset.'

Smotrich threatens: 'We'll dissolve the Knesset'

Haredi parties warn Smotrich: You'll bring down the government

Haredi party leaders slam Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, warn that if he brings down the Draft Law, the government will fall.

Haredi parties warn Smotrich: You'll bring down the government

Bezalel Smotrich:

'We will work to execute Trump's emigration plan for Gaza'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the risks of the hostage deal and called to adopt President Trump's proposal to move Gazans to another country.

'We will work to execute Trump's emigration plan for Gaza'

Mark Levin:

'There are no extremists in the Netanyahu government'

The American commentator pushed back on calls by family members of hostages for Trump to defy so-called 'extremists' in the Israeli government.

'There are no extremists in the Netanyahu government'

Smotrich:

'Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans is a good idea'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate part of the Gaza population to other places like Egypt and Jordan while reconstruction takes place.

'Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans is a good idea'

Incoming US Amb to UN:

'Israel has biblical right to Judea and Samaria'

Elise Stefanik, incoming US Amb to UN, says she agrees with Smotrich & Ben Gvir, that 'Israel has a biblical right to Judea and Samaria.'

'Israel has biblical right to Judea and Samaria'

Smotrich's plan:

'Replace senior IDF command and get back to war'

Smotrich congratulates Chief of Staff and criticizes his conduct during the war, hoping for a change in senior command and return to fighting, 'this time until complete victory.'

'Replace senior IDF command and get back to war'

At Smotrich's orders:

Amnesty International loses tax benefits in Israel

Israel's Tax Authority, acting on instructions from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, revokes Amnesty International's tax benefit due to organization's anti-Israel activities, support for BDS.

Amnesty International loses tax benefits in Israel

Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich successfully pushed for the ceasefire deal with Hamas to include a section requiring the prevention of celebrations following the release of convicted terrorists into Judea and Samaria.

Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria

Hostage deal:

Netanyhu accepts Smotrich's demands

Significant progress has been made in talks between Minister Smotrich and PM Netanyahu to allow the Religious Zionism part to remain in the government after the Cabinet approves the hostage deal.

Netanyhu accepts Smotrich's demands

Religious Zionist party:

'We won't bolt government if fighting resumes after 1st stage'

Religious Zionist party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, clarifies that it opposes a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal with Hamas, but will remain in government if fighting resumes following the first stage of the deal.

'We won't bolt government if fighting resumes after 1st stage'

Will he leave the government?

Smotrich condemns deal, sets condition for Netanyahu

Minister Smotrich voiced his strong opposition to the deal that was reached between Israel and Hamas and restated that his party would only remain in the government if Israel returned to the fighting.

Smotrich condemns deal, sets condition for Netanyahu

Smotrich:

We won't topple government if Halevi is replaced & Hamas defeated

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presents Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with list of demands to ensure Israel's security - even if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is signed.

We won't topple government if Halevi is replaced & Hamas defeated

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Our most important goals are victory and bringing hostages home'

'I consider these matters quietly, behind closed doors, in a very substantive, serious, insightful, and in-depth discussion,' says Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on emerging hostage deal.

'Our most important goals are victory and bringing hostages home'

Smotrich's brother:

'The deal of surrender necessitates elections'

Tuvia Smotrich, brother of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, calls for elections, says the government "contradicts the most important core promise of the post-October 7 era."

'The deal of surrender necessitates elections'

Deal to stay in Gov't:

Netanyahu makes offer to Ben Gvir and Smotrich

Following threats by Chairman of Otzma Yehudit to resign in the event of a deal approval, PM makes offer to Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, on condition that they remain in the government.

Netanyahu makes offer to Ben Gvir and Smotrich

Ben-Gvir to Smotrich:

'Let's leave the government together if deal goes through'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join forces in opposing the emerging hostage deal.

'Let's leave the government together if deal goes through'

Call on Ben Gvir and Smotrich:

'Leave the government if archterrorists are freed'

Bereaved families write to Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, demanding an emergency meeting and calling on them to resign from the government in the wake of the deal that will see the release of terrorists.

'Leave the government if archterrorists are freed'

Smotrich against hostage deal:

'A catastrophe for Israel's national security'

'We will not support a surrender deal that includes the release of arch-terrorists, stops the war, and undermines our achievements,' Finance Minister and security cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich says on the emerging hostage deal.

'A catastrophe for Israel's national security'

Soldier's family confront Finance Minister at condolence visit

The Perl family expressed frustration to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a condolence visit for their son Matityahu Perel.

Soldier's family confront Finance Minister at condolence visit

Smotrich's security increased following death threats

The Finance Minister is now accompanied by nearly as many bodyguards as the Prime Minister is after Palestinian Arabs published calls to assassinate him.

Smotrich's security increased following death threats

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Shechem, Funduq and Jenin must look like Jabaliya'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on security forces to take decisive action to confront terrorism in Judea and Samaria after 3 people were murdered near his hometown of Kedumim today.

'Shechem, Funduq and Jenin must look like Jabaliya'

Minister Smotrich:

'The image of victory - the return of residents to the north'

Ministers Smotrich and Elkin published to reimbursement plan for residents returning to northern Israel. Residents will receive a grant of 15,400 NIS for an adult and 7,700 NIS for a child, plus an additional 'vacancy reimbursement.'

'The image of victory - the return of residents to the north'

Finance Minister extends import tax exemptions for food products

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signs two-year extension for tax exemptions for a list of food products. 'Impact will be felt in every home.'

Finance Minister extends import tax exemptions for food products

Otzma Yehudit votes against the position of the coalition

Otzma Yehudit accuses Smotrich of blocking the transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels to the police, votes against budget laws in the Knesset.

Otzma Yehudit votes against the position of the coalition

Smotrich:

'A partial deal would mean abandoning dozens of hostages'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the issue of hostages, emphasizing unity and criticizing the opposition for divisive rhetoric.

'A partial deal would mean abandoning dozens of hostages'

Smotrich:

'A ceasefire that means an end to fighting is a loss'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich meets bereaved families and says: "A responsible deal is one in which all the hostages are returned."

'A ceasefire that means an end to fighting is a loss'

Smotrich in Metula:

'We'll continue to invest in the rehabilitation of the north'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Metula with the leadership of the Finance Ministry: We are committed to a thorough reconstruction of the entire region.

'We'll continue to invest in the rehabilitation of the north'

Attack on Houthis:

Smotrich: 'Very good things were done last night in Yemen'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich prays at Kiryat Shmona yeshiva as its hundreds of students celebrate a return to their city, praises IAF strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Smotrich: 'Very good things were done last night in Yemen'

Smotrich warns:

'Releasing hundreds of terrorists will rehabilitate Hamas'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich explains his opposition to the hostage release deal in its current form: "Releasing hundreds of terrorists who will rehabilitate Hamas' leadership is very bad."

'Releasing hundreds of terrorists will rehabilitate Hamas'

Smotrich:

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams proposed prisoner swap deal, stressing that it won't bring back all the hostages. 'Hamas is at its lowest point, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline.'

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Minister of Culture:

'Revoke budget from dance troupe that raised Palestinian flag'

Culture Minister Miki Zohar calls on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to revoke budget from Batsheva Dance Company after it raised a Palestinian flag during performance.

'Revoke budget from dance troupe that raised Palestinian flag'

Budget approved, despite Ben Gvir-Smotrich dispute

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attacks Minister Smotrich over state budget debate; and Otzma Yehudit threatens not to vote with coalition.

Budget approved, despite Ben Gvir-Smotrich dispute

Tax on disposables, sweetened drinks, to be canceled permanently

Finance Ministry publishes draft of order permanently cancelling the tax on sweetened drinks and disposables enacted by the Bennett-Lapid government in 2022.

Tax on disposables, sweetened drinks, to be canceled permanently

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Trump offers chance to overthrow Iran'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state and says economy will bounce back, despite ongoing war, steadying finances in 2025.

'Trump offers chance to overthrow Iran'

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Take civil control over Gaza from Hamas'

Minister Smotrich conveys message to IDF: 'If someone in the General Staff's senior command does not know how to do this, or is unable to, they should step down.'

'Take civil control over Gaza from Hamas'

In Depth:

What is a 'Declaration of State Land'?

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared a large amount of land in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley to be 'state land'. How does such a process work, and what does this mean for Israel?

What is a 'Declaration of State Land'?

Smotrich to Netanyahu:

'The train route to Sderot must be reopened immediately'

Finance Minister sends letter to Prime Minister, requests that the issue of reopening the train route to Sderot be brought up at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

'The train route to Sderot must be reopened immediately'

Bezalel Smotrich:

Lebanese government must pay for ceasefire violation

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says IDF 'enforcing agreement,' stresses that Lebanese government must be forced to pay a price for ceasefire violations, or it won't enforce the ceasefire.

Lebanese government must pay for ceasefire violation

Smotrich:

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich thanks US President-elect Donald Trump for clarifying that Hamas will suffer a heavy blow if Israeli hostages are not returned prior to Inauguration Day.

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Bezalel Smotrich:

The right thing is to resettle Gaza

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he wants the hostages home but will 'not lend a hand to an agreement to surrender,' believes resettling Gaza is the right thing, but 'it is not one of the goals of the war - we need to dismantle Hamas.'

The right thing is to resettle Gaza

Minister Smotrich:

'The heroism of the people of Kibbutz Nir Oz is an inspiration'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich meets representatives of Kibbutz Nir Oz: "We will continue to stand and work for the development and renewed growth of the kibbutz."

'The heroism of the people of Kibbutz Nir Oz is an inspiration'

On Lebanese border:

Smotrich: IDF must maintain freedom of action to strike Hezbollah

'Many called me an extremist, today everyone understands how necessary it was to remove the threat on Israel's northern border,' says Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich: IDF must maintain freedom of action to strike Hezbollah

After Smotrich's pressure:

US says it will block recognition of PA state at UNSC

Israeli government approves extending indemnities to PA banks for another year to prevent the PA economy from collapsing after the Biden Administration assured Israel it would veto any UN Security Council resolution recognizing a Palestinian State.

US says it will block recognition of PA state at UNSC

Finance Min. to Labor Min.:

'Add special status for reservists to daycare subsidy criteria'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich requests that Labor Minister Yoav Ben Tzur add a special status for IDF reservists, allowing them to receive daycare subsidies.

'Add special status for reservists to daycare subsidy criteria'

National Camp formulates new strategy in leadup to Trump's term

National Camp unites, for first time since US elections, in special Yesha Council meeting, to formulate strategy for upcoming change of US government.

National Camp formulates new strategy in leadup to Trump's term

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich earns new title: Grandpa

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his wife Revital welcome their eldest son's first child, a boy.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich earns new title: Grandpa

Bezalel Smotrich:

US presidential transition - two challenging and dangerous months

'There is opportunity for historic changes for Judea and Samaria, but we must navigate them very carefully and responsibly. I’ll even say, patiently,' said Bezalel Smotrich at the Yesha Council conference.

US presidential transition - two challenging and dangerous months