Bezalel Smotrich

Not budging:

Minister Smotrich: 'We will remain in Lebanon for years

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says that Israel will remain in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah has not been disarmed and praised the achievements of IDF soldiers.

Gush Etzion doubles number of Israeli towns in just three years

Hundreds of residents took part in a ceremony in the town of Gevaot in honor of it being formally included in Israel's land registry.

Historic construction in Hebron receives green light

Civil Administration council approves plans for hundreds of new housing units, historic addition to Hebron yeshiva.

PA livid after Smotrich's declaration: A violation of agreements

Palestinian Authority issues fierce condemnation following Smotrich's announcement regarding the transfer of planning and zoning authorities in Hebron to Israeli jurisdiction.

Smotrich announces end of Hebron Protocol

Bezalel Smotrich says Israel has stripped Hebron’s municipality of planning authority over the Jewish community and holy sites.

Smotrich

Agreement with Iran is bad; The test now is Lebanon

At a Religious Zionism faction meeting, Bezalel Smotrich declared that following the emerging agreement with Iran, the main arena in which Israel will be tested is Lebanon.

Following drone attacks

Israel responds with strikes on Hezbollah Beirut stronghold

The IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist command center in Beirut's Dahieh district in response to Hezbollah fire toward Israel.

Finance Minister steps in to help haredi yeshivas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich working to cancel directive stripping yeshivas' donors of tax benefits, urges haredi parties to support legislation.

Gov. approves NIS 4 billion development plan for north

Government unanimously approves proposal for a regional development plan for the Northern District for the years 2026-2030, totaling approximately NIS 4 billion.

Religious Zionist party fears internal split

Sources say Bezalel Smotrich fears three MKs could break away from his faction, influencing his stance on conscription and Torah study.

Likud estimates: Netanyahu to offer spots to Smotrich, Ben Gvir

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu working to avoid loss of right-wing votes, convince Religious Zionist and Otzma Yehudit parties to run together.

6 countries announce sanctions on Bezalel Smotrich

France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway announced sanctions against a number of Israeli figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Religious Zionism demands revision of haredi law

Finance Minister Smotrich announced that his party will oppose any wording that equates yeshiva students with IDF service members. The Government Secretary announced that the clause will be removed from the law.

Haredim angered by Smotrich's support for the draft

Haredi sources expressed disappointment at Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's refusal to advance measures that would benefit tens of thousands of conscription-eligible individuals.

Netanyahu to ministers: It's best to coordinate with the US

A heated cabinet discussion saw Itamar Ben-Gvir urge a tougher line toward Washington while Netanyahu defended close ties with Trump.

Haredi MKs spark firestorm with visit to draft dodgers

MKs Aryeh Deri and Yitzhak Goldknopf visited detained haredim who refused to enlist. Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the visit, calling it a disgrace and lack of awareness to the public.

Ireland bans Ben Gvir and Smotrich

Irish Taoiseach announces that his country is banning ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering its territory.

Tzvika Mor to run in party primaries

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage survivor Eitan Mor, says he was not given a reserved party-list spot and will face the central committee vote, expressing confidence the party will clear the electoral threshold.

'I am offended'

Mamdani blasts Smotrich's participation at Israel Day Parade

NYC Mayor Mamdani criticizes some Israeli ministers' attendance at the Israel Day Parade, while stressing his commitment to ensuring it was properly secured.

Smotrich from NY:

'Our hearts stand in solidarity with the Jewish community'

Finance Minister speaks with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News ahead of the Israel Day Parade: "Zohran Mamdani chose the wrong side of history and missed out on a massive connection with global Jewry."

"They prefer to support tycoons"

Battle over overseas shopping returns to Knesset

Ahead of a Knesset plenary vote on increasing the VAT exemption threshold for personal imports to $130, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a sharp public message.

Smotrich: We must change the equation

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praises capture of Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon, reiterates call to bring down 10 buildings in Beirut for every explosive drone launched towards Israel.

Minister Wasserlauf warns

Residents of north on verge of collapse

Yitzhak Wasserlauf sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning of the potential collapse of Israel’s northern border communities.

Former Labor Party leader comes to Smotrich’s defense

Former MK Eli Goldschmidt, comes out in surprise defense of Finance Minister following Judea and Samaria tax benefits controversy. "As if we learned nothing from October 7th"

Smotrich demands: Drop prices immediately

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sends letter to business sector, demanding prices drop immediately due to shekel's increased buying power.

Smotrich

'Proud to correct injustice, restore tax benefits to Yesha'

Finance Minister Smotrich dismissed criticism of tax benefits in Judea and Samaria.

Coalition tensions erupt

Judea and Samaria benefits bill heads to vote

Coalition crisis breaks out during vote on the Benefits Law for Judea and Samaria and Residents of the Northern Border.

Benefits for draft dodgers

Smotrich refuses to support bill - haredim infuriated

Haredi lawmakers lashed out at the Religious Zionist Party after it refused to support daycare subsidies tied to draft exemptions.

Tzvika Mor joins the Religious Zionist party

Tzvika Mor, father of former hostage Eitan and a leading member of the Tikvah Forum, will join Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist party and will be placed high on the list.

Explosive drones:

Smotrich demands deterrence, Netanyahu rebuffs him

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, warn only solution to Hezbollah's drone threat is 'disproportionate, deterrent response.'

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.