Bezalel Smotrich

Smotrich: “Zionism without Torah is lost"

The Minister of Finance and Chairman of Religious Zionism wrote that the holiday of Shavuot expresses the deep connection between the Torah, the land and settlement in the Land.

Finance Cmt'e chair slams AG's 'sick hatred of haredim'

'Attorney General preventing all nonprofits in Israel from receiving tax status because of the sick hatred she has for the haredi public,' Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky says.

Smotrich declares:

Illegal Arab outpost Khan al-Ahmar to be evacuated

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to evict Khan al-Ahmar while condemning possible ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

Smotrich sets condition:

'Draft law must ensure those who don't study enlist'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich set a key condition for advancing the military draft law: a clear declaration from the haredi leadership that “whoever is not studying Torah must enlist."

Smotrich outrage:

‘Very soon we will end the Attorney General's dictatorship’

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launches sharp attack on Attorney General during Knesset committee debate, accusing her and her office of persecuting IDF officers and the government while neglecting crime and personal security in Israel.

Smotrich: Erase Oslo divisions of Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at Jerusalem Day event at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, noting achievements in Judea and Samaria and laying out a new vision.

Finance Ministry leaders hold professional tour for Jerusalem Day

The Finance Ministry leadership held a tour in the City of David for Jerusalem Day. Finance Minister Smotrich announced the launch of a large-scale plan to populate the city's entry neighborhood.

Smotrich unveils development plan for Jerusalem at Flag March

Smotrich spoke with Arutz Sheva during the Flag March and described a new government decision aimed at strengthening the city in infrastructure, tourism and innovation.

Israel unveils massive summer program for students

Israel announced a NIS 1.1 billion summer education initiative combining AI, STEM studies, and emotional support for students.

Smotrich against AG: “You corrupt people have become intolerable"

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply attacked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Sunday following her opposition to the appointment of Roman Gofman as Mossad head.

Smotrich to Gafni: We don't need your approval

Smotrich defended Minister Ofir Sofer after Gafni’s criticism, urging haredim not studying Torah to enlist in the IDF.

Ayelet Shaked:

'Smotrich responsible for formation of Change Government'

Former Justice Minister places full weight of responsibility for the formation of the Change Government on the chairman of the Religious Zionist Party: "He could have joined, making Ra'am unnecessary."

Smotrich, tobacco taxation and the Palestinian black market

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is expected to soon approve a new order to tax smoking products that will impose an excise tax of NIS 350 per kilogram on tobacco substitutes, alongside a 4% customs duty.

Smotrich attacks the media, calls them 'wicked liars'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that forming the previous government together with an Arab party was even more damaging to Israel than the October 7 massacre.

Smotrich in Hebron:

'We’re determined to win, praying for success'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News at the Religious Zionism movement’s central Lag Ba'Omer bonfire at the foot of the Cave of the Patriarchs: "We are determined to defeat Iran."

Illegal Arab structures demolished near Ariel

Civil Administration demolishes illegal Arab commercial structures constructed in Area C near Ariel.

Samaria road to expand significantly in landmark move

Major upgrade to Route 60 between British Police Junction and Tapuah set to ease traffic, improve safety, and support large-scale development plans.

Approval granted for 126 permanent homes in Sa-Nur

Twenty-one years after the Disengagement, a plan to build 126 permanent homes in Sa-Nur was approved, with private houses alongside apartment buildings around the historic fortress.

Massive building push in Jordan Valley

The Supreme Planning Council approved the construction and regularization plans for several Israeli towns in the Jordan Valley.

Expanding beyond city limits

New neighborhood to be built in Ariel

At a cornerstone-laying ceremony for the first neighborhood in the Ariel West development, participants tell Arutz Sheva-Israel National News of their excitement over a project expected to triple the city’s size.

Israel withholds PA tax funds, citing terror payments

Hundreds of millions in revenues deducted or frozen as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich enforces requirement for Palestinian Authority to pay its own debts.

Smotrich:

We will return to Gush Katif as we returned to northern Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich participates in Independence Day ceremony in Samaria, promises return to Gush Katif.

Smotrich: Gaza should become a Jewish city

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Sderot yeshiva, calls for Jewish resettlement of Gaza.

Smotrich In Sa-Nur:

Conquer Gaza and settle it

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich laid out his vision for Israel’s ongoing multi-front campaign during a speech reopening the town of Sa-Nur in northern Samaria.

Serious espionage investigation in IAF

A major and deeply concerning espionage case has come to light, involving a suspected network operating within the IDF on behalf of Iranian intelligence.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Peace with Lebanon? Only through strength, power, and victory'

Minister Smotrich in an interview with Arutz Sheva: 'We are clearing a security buffer zone in Lebanon, we will continue to strike Hezbollah, and we will restore security to the residents of the north.'

Diplomatic Firestorm:

Smotrich clashes with Israeli ambassador to Germany

Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, criticized Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's remarks against Germany - but Smotrich refused to recant.

Smotrich to German Chancellor:

'You won’t force us back into ghettos'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz writes that he is “very concerned about the developments in the Palestinian territories." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds sharply: “You will not force us back into ghettos."

Finance Ministry reveals cost of Operation Roaring Lion

The Finance Ministry published an estimate of the costs of Operation Roaring Lion. The trial was approximately 35 billion shekels, of which the bulk went to procurements and reservist mobilization.

Judea and Samaria:

8 communities, including Ganim and Kadim, officially recognized

Ministry of Interior grants official recognition to eight additional communities in Judea and Samaria, including Ganim and Kadim.

Walla Journalist:

Netanyahu in Bar Ilan speech turned into Smotrich from Kedumim

Walla political commentator Yehuda Shlezinger says Benjamin Netanyahu has changed deeply since October 7, calling him “the biggest awakening in the Middle East," partly influenced by talks with Bezalel Smotrich.

'Shape of the Land of Israel'

Smotrich shows the piece of shrapnel that wounded his son

In a personal post, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shared a photo of the shrapnel that was removed from his son's body after he was wounded in Lebanon.

Government approves massive aid package for frontline communities

Government approves proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, to provide 110m in aid for northern communities, communities hit by missile strikes.

Minister Smotrich:

Our border with Lebanon must be the Litani River

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the war must end with the Litani River as Israel’s new border, alongside a buffer zone in Lebanon.

Smotrich reveals: Minister Strock flew to save her daughter

In meeting with northern leaders, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reveals details on Settlement Minister Orit Strock's personal trials.

Smotrich at impact site:

Iranian regime will fall, Hezbollah will pay a price

At the Ramat Gan strike site, Bezalel Smotrich tells Arutz Sheva that Iran’s missile launches are declining as the IDF targets launchers and leadership.

Smotrich reports: Progress in recovery of son injured in battle

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reports slight improvement in condition of son Benaya, who was injured during IDF operations in southern Lebanon.

'Thanks for saving my son'

Smotrich's moving hospital visit

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Galilee Medical Center to thank staff who treated his wounded son and fellow soldiers.

Netanyahu, Smotrich declare

Draft Law will not advance, Budget approval to be accelerated

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance issued a joint statement regarding the state budget and clarified that some of the planned benefits will be canceled - due to the cost of the war.

After his son was wounded

Smotrich: At the hospital, we learned of the miracle

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich spoke about his son, Benaya Hebron, who was wounded in a mortar attack on the Lebanese border.

Smotrich to bereaved father: 'We'll rebuild destroyed synagogue'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich promises to order quick response to damage at site of Beit Shemesh missile strike, with goal of rebuilding synagogue as soon as possible.

Smotrich's son injured on Lebanon border

Son of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich injured during military operation in Lebanon, family says he is doing well.

Smotrich: Pray for the welfare of US service members

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israelis to pray for the welfare and safety of US service members fighting alongside IDF soldiers against Iran.

9.4 billion NIS per week

Smotrich urges easing war restrictions to boost economy

Finance Ministry seeks easing of restrictions as war with Iran seen costing NIS 9.4 billion per week.

It could be cheap here:

Smotrich bypassed the vote and signed a new order

After the Knesset plenum rejected the order to expand the VAT exemption to $150, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed a new order raising the exemption to $130, which will take effect at midnight.

The road that will 'eliminate' a Palestinian state

Ministers Smotrich and Regev inaugurated the beginning of work to pave the new Route 45, which will connect eastern Binyamin with Route 443.

Bank of Israel leaves interest rate unchanged at 4%

The Monetary Committee of the Bank of Israel decided to leave the interest rate unchanged at 4%. The Finance Minister sharply criticized the decision.

Likud MKs against Smotrich's bill

Likud MKs promise to vote against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's order raising exemption ceiling for personal imports to $150.

Finance Minister on milk shortage: We will pass the reform

Residents around Israel report shortage of milk in grocery stores, limits on per-customer purchasing.

Smotrich:

'The goal - abolish Oslo, encourage Arab emigration'

The Religious Zionist Party holds an event marking the "Settlement Revolution," which includes the establishment of dozens of new outposts and the strengthening of Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich to Arab MK:

'You're killing each other, are we to blame?'

The finance minister confronted MK Iman Khatib-Yassin regarding the recent uptick in violence among Arab communities.

Smotrich: Set a new policy for returning hostages

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Bring the Law to Adopt the Conclusions of the Shamgar Committee to the Cabinet for Decision."

Arutz Sheva Exclusive:

'Attack in Bnei Brak is sacrilege'

In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the riot against soldiers in Bnei Brak as sacrilegious and demanded haredi leaders condemn them.

1st time since 1967

Cabinet approves renewal of land registration in Yesha

The government has approved the proposal by Ministers Levin, Smotrich, and Katz to renew land registration procedures in Judea and Samaria after decades.

Poll:

Smotrich gains strength, coalition soars to 66 seats

Channel 14 poll shows a slight increase for the right-wing bloc to 66 seats, with Netanyahu leading in the prime ministerial race with 57% compared to 19% for Bennett.

Smotrich warns the left about Bennett

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich estimated that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will transfer votes from left-wing voters to the right in the upcoming elections. And what did he say when asked if he would shake Bennett's hand?

Smotrich lashes out: 'You weren't there'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich lashes out at Israel's banking system, accusing them of failing to step up to the plate during the war.

Smotrich:

'Destroy the Iranian regime, there is no other way'

Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich said in an interview with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News that Israel cannot tolerate the continued existence of Iran’s current regime.

Cabinet moves to change legal statuses in Judea and Samaria

The cabinet approved a series of significant decisions affecting the settlements that change the legal and civil reality in Judea and Samaria, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich's revolution continues

5 settlements officially regularized

Recognition has been granted to five new settlements, joining 20 others that were recently regularized. Smotrich: "We are killing the idea of a Palestinian state."