Bezalel Smotrich

Smotrich:

'They're trying to silence me in a disgraceful way'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to critics of his statements against the Supreme Court, insisting that he was expressing the will of the people.

'Dangerous terror army': Smotrich's dramatic warning

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply criticized what he called "the biggest threat to the security of Israeli citizens": Thousands of weapons in the hands of crime and terror organizations in the Arab sector.

New base in Samaria town emptied during Disengagement

Twenty years after the Disengagement Plan, the Menashe Brigade headquarters is leaving Ein Shemer and returning to central Samaria.

Smotrich's revolution:

Jurisdiction areas for Homesh and seven other settlements

IDF Central Command chief Avi Bluth signs orders for eight new jurisdiction areas in Judea and Samaria, paving the way for construction and development.

Smotrich on QatarGate

'Even if Netanyahu didn't know, it's a problem'

Minister Smotrich addressed the QatarGate scandal at the National Education Conference: "This is absolute madness. I'm shocked by the correspondence that was published."

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

Supreme Planning Council to discuss doubling Yitzhar

Supreme Planning Council to approve the deposit of a plan for the construction of 398 new housing units in Yitzhar. Minister Smotrich: 'Strengthening Jewish communities in Samaria - after years of anticipation.'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'We have launched the return to Sa-Nur in northern Samaria'

Supreme Planning Council to approve comprehensive construction plans in Sa-Nur. Minister Smotrich: 'Sa-Nur is returning home not with slogans, but with plans, budgets, roads and facts on the ground.'

Civil Administration moves to new civilian building in Binyamin

Civil Administration’s civilian units relocate from military base to permanent facility in Sha’ar Binyamin, 'a historic step toward separating military and civilian life and advancing de facto sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.'

Smotrich signs order: VAT exemption limit increased to $150

Finance Minister Smotrich's move raises the VAT exemption ceiling for purchases from abroad. Business owners oppose the move.

'No settlements in Gaza

Defense Minister walks back comments on Gaza communities

Defense Minister Israel Katz walks back statement that Israel will establish youth communities based on the IDF in Gaza.

Smotrich:

'Dismantle PA, apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria'

Finance Minister Smotrich urges the Prime Minister to demand Gaza's full demilitarization from President Trump, calls the Palestinian Authority a mistake that must be dismantled.

Start making your wishlist:

Personal import VAT exemption to increase to $150 on Wednesday

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is set to expand the VAT exemption on personal imports from $75 to $150, a move expected to lower costs, boost competition, and expand consumer choice.

Smotrich declares

'Families will return to Sa-Nur soon'

In a festive ceremony marking 50 years since the establishment of Kedumim, hundreds of residents from the settlement participated.

Draft of bill published

How the Nukhba terrorists will be prosecuted

The bill establishes a military tribunal mechanism for prosecuting participants in the October 7 attack, with the authority to impose the death penalty and without the possibility of future release.

3,380 dunams declared state land for new city Mishmar Yehuda

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich continues work to create new city Mishmar Yehuda. 'This is another step in advancing de facto sovereignty in the area'

Reservists' families protest outside Finance Minister's home

Families of IDF reservists in Samaria hold demonstration outside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's home in Kedumim, demanding he oppose the current Draft Law proposal.

Crisis is impetus for growth:

US directors tour Israel, hear briefing on economic resilience

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich briefs visiting US finance directors in Jerusalem on Israel’s economic resilience amid ongoing security challenges.

Religious Zionist party:

No final decision made on draft exemption bill

After a tense internal meeting with senior rabbis, the party agreed to push for changes but appears ready to back the government’s draft bill despite public criticism.

Jordan:

Israel has no right to sovereignty in Judea and Samaria

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry issued a harsh condemnation of Smotrich’s rejection of a Palestinian state and Israel’s plans to expand communities in Judea and Samaria.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Ronen Bar endangered democracy'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launches a fierce attack against former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, following reports that the agency monitored government offices involved in settlement activity.

Israeli government approves 2026 budget

Israel’s government approved a NIS 662B budget for 2026, including a NIS 112B defense framework, alongside a contested dairy reform.

Agreements reached:

Defense budget for 2026 set at 112 billion shekels

After late-night discussions, a defense budget of 112 billion shekels was agreed upon. The Prime Minister decided that the defense budget will increase by 350 billion shekels over the next decade.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'The law is intended for genuine conscription'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says that the internal disagreements surrounding the Draft Law can be bridged, declaring: ‘The law is not political.'

Finance Minister blocks Gaza reconstruction

Gaza reconstruction delayed until further notice after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams brakes on the plan, report says.

Prices up 63% in three years

Bus fares to increase once again in January

Inner-city bus fares are expected to rise to 9 NIS in January as a budget dispute forces cuts and delays tied to the “Transportation Justice” reform.

Exclusive:

IDF Central Command approves 10 new jurisdiction areas in Samaria

Minister Bezalel Smotrich states, 'authorization of 10 new municipal jurisdiction areas in Samaria, including Gedor in the northern Jordan Valley, is a Zionist, security and national move of the highest level.'

Knesset approves tax benefits for reservists law

The law includes benefits of up to 1,000 NIS per month for IDF reservists: the more a reservist serves, the less he or she pays.

Coalition members oppose current version of draft bill

The Religious Zionist Party rejected the current version of the haredi draft bill, insisting it will only back legislation that truly increases military enlistment among haredim.

Smotrich on demolition:

'The hill thwarts the planning of thousands of housing units'

Smotrich backs the defense establishment and Gush Etzion Council, saying a small group moved in unlawfully and blocked plans for thousands of housing units: 'We don’t need lessons in Zionism or settlement.'

'We won't allow it'

Haredi faction slams Finance Minister's yeshiva budgets

Degel Hatorah slams Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's budgets for yeshivas, accusing him of funding only Religious Zionist yeshivas. ' All his claims that he supposedly cares about the Torah world are nothing but empty words.'

Gov to approve NIS 114 Million for Yeshivas, youth movements

The new budget allocation will support Hesder yeshivas and higher yeshivas that encourage military service, youth movements, pre-military academies, the national service framework, student villages, Ofek preparatory programs, and local emergency response teams operating in the Negev and the Galilee.

'Path To Palestinian Statehood':

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand action from Netanyahu

The two demanded that Netanyahu oppose the U.S. statement at the UN, which said "to begin a process that offers a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and to the establishment of a state."

Yisrael Beyteinu MK demands funding to remove UNRWA facilities

MK Yulia Malinovsky demands immediate funding from the Finance Ministry for implementing the UNRWA laws after a prolonged delay in the actions required to apply the legislation.

Finance Minister: Grants for reservists to continue in 2026

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says grants provided to reservists' families will not be harmed, continue in 2026, even though emergency call-ups have ended.

Smotrich, Netanyahu agree

Crisis with Religious Zionism Party resolved

After a meeting held this evening, it was agreed to advance the approval of a tax benefits bill for IDF reservists - in exchange for the Religious Zionism Party returning to vote with the coalition.

Smotrich:

There is dialogue with US, letting terrorists go is a moral folly

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel retains control over security decisions despite US pressure, and called releasing terrorists in Rafah 'a moral folly' that could threaten troops.

Jurisdiction for 13 new communities approved

Central Command Chief Avi Bluth approves jurisdiction for 13 new communities, paving the way for legal planning, development, and infrastructure. Minister Smotrich: 'A significant step in strengthening Jewish presence.'

Smotrich to Arutz Sheva:

Mamdani or not, all Jews belong in Israel

In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Finance Minister Smotrich outlines his vision for aliyah, linking tax reform to Zionism and growing Diaspora challenges.

Finance Minister declares:

0% tax for new immigrants

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer unveil groundbreaking initiative, offering new olim and returning residents major tax benefits.

State Comptroller's report:

Slams government for lack of economic preparedness for war

Report reveals major failures in Israel’s preparedness for economic emergencies; Minister of Finance did not exercise his powers and PM is responsible for not ensuring effective civilian leadership.

Finance and Defense Ministry clash over reserve service

At a press conference presenting the 2026 budget assessment, the two ministries blamed on another for causing Israel's security issues.

Nearly 2,000 housing units to be approved in Judea and Samaria

The Supreme Planning Council is set to approve 1,973 new housing units across Judea and Samaria, as part of the building surge advanced by Minister Bezalel Smotrich since assuming his role.

Smotrich demands to arrest the released terrorists

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the terrorists released in the hostage deal to be arrested again due to Hamas failing to honor its obligations.

Smotrich

'The Saudis say much worse things, no one demands they apologize'

Finance Minister reacts to uproar over his comment that the Saudis 'can keep riding camels,' says Saudi government and officials say much more insulting and antisemitic things without pushback,

Smotrich

'We won't allow reconstruction of Gaza as long as Hamas rules'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared at the Religious Zionism faction meeting that the State of Israel will not permit reconstruction in Gaza without the complete dismantling of Hamas.

Smotrich:

'We will cut taxes for the middle class and encourage Aliyah'

Finance Minister announces plan to reduce taxes and promote Aliyah with economic incentives, says 'blank check' for defense spending will end.

Smotrich vs. Rabbi Yosef

'He is disgracing himself, profaning God’s name'

Finance Minister and National Religious Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich responded forcefully to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef’s claim that bereaved father Rabbi Tamir Granot is a 'heretic' for calling for drafting yeshiva students.

‘Keep riding camels’

Smotrich apologizes for 'inappropriate' remark about Saudis

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel will reject any Saudi normalization deal conditioned on a Palestinian state, insisting that sovereignty must remain non-negotiable.

2026 budget:

Smotrich to present 2026 budget plan; includes lower taxes

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will meet with PM Netanyahu on Thursday to present the principles of the 2026 state budget, which aims to transition Israel’s economy from a period of emergency to growth, easing the tax burden on the public.

Smotrich meets Bessent: 'We have true friends in Washington'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, thanking the Trump administration and discussing Gaza disarmament and expanding the Abraham Accords.

Eisenkot blasts Smotrich: You served 10 months in the IDF

MK Gadi Eisenkot slams Gaza ceasefire deal, criticizing it as having 'too much foreign involvement, too early.'

Gafni attacks coalition partners ahead of Draft Law debate

Ahead of the Knesset debate on the Draft Law, MK Moshe Gafni levels sharp criticism at coalition members over their conduct and priorities.

Hostage deal:

Netanyahu gets green light from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

PM Netanyahu secured coalition support to begin the hostage deal, as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir warn they won’t tolerate a Gaza agreement that leaves Hamas intact.

Ceasefire deal:

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir to remain in the government - for now

Smotrich and other ministers blasted Netanyahu’s decision to pause Gaza operations for negotiations, warning it aids Hamas; Ben-Gvir threatened Otzma Yehudit may quit.

Smotrich on Trump peace plan:

‘Return to Oslo, Historic Mistake’

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly rejected President Trump’s Gaza peace plan, calling it a return to Oslo illusions and warning it would repeat the failures of the past.

'A great loss for us all'

Smotrich remembers Ari Fuld in the Knesset

During a Knesset plenary session, Minister Smotrich marks seven years since the murder of Ari Fuld.

Smotrich's boundaries for the Netanyahu-Trump summit

Finance Minister Smotrich presents six boundaries ahead of the White House meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Despite pressure on the right

Netanyahu considering enacting only partial sovereignty

Israel is weighing partial sovereignty in Judea and Samaria after UK, Australia, and Canada recognized a Palestinian state; Netanyahu to consult President Donald Trump.

The Marker list:

Netanyahu, Smotrich named among most influential people in 2025

The Marker published a list of the most influential people in 2025, with Prime Minister Netanyahu in third and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in fourth.

Over 1,000 housing units approved in Judea and Samaria

Hundreds of housing units and a new industrial zone in settlements were approved, and the Supreme Planning Council has advanced over 25,000 units since the start of the year.