Bezalel Smotrich

Financial Warfare:

91 million shekels transfered from PA to terror victims

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich authorized the transfer of 91 million shekels from the frozen Palestinian Authority funds in Israel to the families of terror victims.

Mitzpe Kramim secures formal recognition

The final recognition of the town of Mitzpe Kramim has been completed. The move includes the imposition of an official jurisdiction area on the town and constitutes another step in the new policy in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich meets Huckabee:

'Our bond with the USA is stronger than any storm'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met today with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and thanked him and President Trump for their support.

Echoes of History:

Britain's Sanctions against Min. Smotrich and the Hebron Massacre

Déjà vu - history is full of instances where British actions and inactions failed to protect Jewish lives. Opinion.

'Outrageous hypocrisy'

Amb. Huckabee meets sanctioned Israeli ministers

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir and condemned the sanctions by five nations against them.

Amb. Hotovely on UK sanctions: 'A profound moral mistake'

Hotovely defends Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in GB News interview, accuses UK of empowering Hamas and dismissing Israeli voters’ democratic choices.

Fmr. Amb. Friedman:

Should millions of Americans expect sanctions too?

According to Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, millions of Americans, including many in the Trump admin, oppose a Palestinian state, and therefore should be subject to sanctions by the UK and other countries.

Binyamin Region:

8,000,000 square meters declared as state lands

A large area near the town of Malachei Hashalom in Binyamin was declared today as state lands, about two weeks after the fall of the settlement's resident, David Libi, in Gaza.

Rubio condemns

'Don't forget who the real enemy is'

US Secretary of condemns decision by the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway to impose sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich: The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions.

Smotrich orders:

'Cancel indemnification for Palestinian banks'

Following sanctions from foreign countries and a delegitimization campaign led by the Palestinian Authority against Israel, Smotrich orders the cancellation of the financial indemnification mechanism for banks.

Sa'ar:

'The British Mandate ended. It will never return'

Foreign Minister Sa'ar denounces UK-led sanctions on Israeli ministers as "outrageous," warns moves embolden Hamas and undermine Israel’s war objectives.

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir

Five countries impose sanctions on Israeli ministers

UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway issue sanctions against Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing incitement and settler violence in Judea and Samaria.

FM Sa'ar:

UK sanctions on ministers are outrageous

Foreign Minister announces reopening of Israeli embassy in Lusaka, outlines strategic ties with Africa.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

Intensify Gaza operation, now is no time for elections

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls to escalate operations in Gaza and urges coalition partners to act responsibly, warning against elections during wartime.

Smotrich against Barkat:

'Name one achievement of yours since the government took office'

Finance Minister Smotrich responds to Economy Minister Barkat's criticism of the Finance Ministry's conduct. Government Secretary forced to intervene in the confrontation between the two.

Smotrich to Arutz Sheva:

'We're establishing communities - we'll disrupt Arab continuity'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, during a tour of sites of new towns in Judea and Samaria, about the steps to promote sovereignty and the importance of preserving the government's integrity.

Unconfirmed Report:

Israel transferred millions from security to Gazan aid programs

Leaked documents claim that funds intended for Israeli security were used to fund Gazan aid programs. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich categorically denied the allegations.

Smotrich Warns:

'Israeli banks must not comply with EU sanctions'

Finance Minister Smotrich wrote to bank regulators today that he would promote mandatory compensation for sanctioned Israelis if banks did not work to protect them.

Malachei Hashalom:

First cemetery established overnight for fallen hero David Libi

Within 24 hours of his death in Gaza, a new cemetery is inaugurated in Malachei Hashalom to bury David Libi, son of the community's founder.

Historic decision:

Israel approves 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria

In landmark move led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Cabinet authorizes new settlements — including in Homesh and Sa-Nur — as part of strategy to solidify Israeli presence and block a Palestinian state.

Smotrich warns:

'I won't allow a partial deal with Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to envoy Witkoff’s statement: "We must tighten the noose on Hamas and force it into a surrender deal with all hostages released at once."

ICC prosecutor rushing warrants against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

Karim Khan planned to issue arrest warrants for Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir due to their activities to expand Israeli construction.

Smotrich at Western Wall:

'We’re liberating Gaza - and settling it'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Jerusalem Day rally at the Western Wall, addressing the importance of victory in the war against Hamas.

Smotrich at Mercaz Harav:

'I call on the PM to apply sovereignty as soon as possible'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the celebration marking Jerusalem Day at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva: "We are applying sovereignty de facto, but we need to take advantage of the support we have from the United States and apply sovereignty."

Smotrich denies Lapid's claim Israel funding aid to Gaza

Finance Minister states, 'The State of Israel does not fund humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza. Period.'

US Ambassador to Israel:

'America is your friend—we stand with Israel against evil'

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee declares unwavering US support for Israel at a high-level economic reception in Tel Aviv, affirming, 'Your enemies are our enemies.'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Humanitarian aid a necessity, will not reach Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defends limited aid to Gaza, insisting it won’t reach Hamas and is vital to securing military and strategic support for Israel’s war effort.

Smotrich to Huckabee: "Israel has no better friend than you'

Finance Minister Smotrich and US Ambassador discuss advancing economic partnerships and joint initiatives; thanks the Trump administration for support.

Smotrich: Most of the nation opposes surrendering to Hamas

Sources close to Minister Smotrich clarify that he stated in a meeting with families of hostages that he is convinced "most of the nation opposes surrendering to Hamas in a way that would endanger Israel's security."

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'We will capture Gaza and not retreat, even with a hostage deal'

Minister of Finance at the B'Sheva Jerusalem Conference: 'The time has come to stop being afraid of the word 'occupation'. We are defeating Hamas; they will surrender.'

'Sealing their fate': Gafni blasts Smotrich

The chairman of Degel HaTorah, MK Moshe Gafni, blasts Minister Bezalel Smotrich on the issue of the hostages, claiming that their return is the most important matter at present.

Government to court:

Teachers' strike 'sudden, unnecessary, harmful, & irresponsible'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says government has requested court issue order preventing planned teachers strike.

Smotrich:

'Victory is the legacy of thousands of soldiers'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made a statement at the meeting ahead of Memorial Day: 'We will end this war with a stronger and more prosperous State of Israel.'

Ministers battle over the import of medical cannabis

The Minister of Finance opposes the imposition of a tax on the import of cannabis flowers from Canada, directly conflicting with the Minister of the Economy.

Smotrich warns: Humanitarian aid to Gaza means end of government

Finance Minister and Cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich draws red line at renewing humanitarian aid critical to Hamas, slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failure to enforce Cabinet policies.

Smotrich to Shin Bet staff:

'Ronen Bar's misconduct does not stain you'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich published an open letter to Shin Bet service members, praising their work, while berating the agency's director.

Illegal Arab house overlooking Jewish town demolished

The multi-story home in the village of Beit Ummar was constructed illegally, only 250 meters from the Karmei Tzur fence, and overlooked the Jewish community.

MK Gafni: Smotrich prioritizing national issues over human lives

MK Moshe Gafni slams Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's statement on prioritizing prevention of additional 'October 7' massacres, Smotrich fires back in kind. 'He lives with a mindset of exile, needs to learn to respect Religious Zionist rabbis.'

Smotrich: Bringing hostages home isn't top priority

'Bringing hostages home is important, but we want to neutralize threat of another October 7 massacre,' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich explains.

Dimona to award honorary citizenship to Minister Smotrich

Mayor of Dimona, Benny Bitton, announces that Dimona will award honorary citizenship to Minister Smotrich for his contribution to the advancement of the city.

Smotrich:

'These are the reasons I won't sit with Ronen Bar'

Finance Minister states no court has the power to force the government to trust an official in whom it has lost all trust.

Smotrich:

'Ronen Bar caused immense damage to Israel'

Finance Minister Smotrich explains to Arutz Sheva why he is boycotting any meetings with Ronen Bar.

Smotrich declares boycott of Ronen Bar

The Finance Minister informed the Prime Minister that he will not participate in the important security discussion scheduled for today if Ronen Bar is invited.

After Passover:

Smotrich to head to Washington for discussions on tariffs

Finance Minister holds meeting with senior officials in his ministry to formulate a set of measures aimed at reducing the impact of US trade tariffs on the Israeli economy.

Watch:

Israel sells its chametz

A special ceremony was held at the Chief Rabbinate Headquarters, during which representatives of the State of Israel sold the state's chametz to a gentile.

Smotrich to Netanyahu:

'Do not summon Ronen Bar to discussions, do not work with him'

Minister Smotrich blasts the Supreme Court's ruling which froze the dismissal of the Shin Bet chief, calls on the Prime Minister not to cooperate with Ronen Bar.

Smotrich, Strock demand cabinet meeting on ISA targeting of Jews

Finance and Settlements Ministers write to National Security Council head warning Shin Bet is baselessly using draconian measures against citizens.

Yisrael Ganz:

'A historic revolution in Judea and Samaria'

Defense Minister and Finance Minister visit Binyamin: "We will continue to prevent the Arab takeover of the heart of the country." According to the data, in the past year, there has been a 50% increase in demolitions of illegal Arab construction. The extent of land takeover has decreased by a third.

Israel cancels all import tariffs on US products

Netanyahu, after canceling customs duties on US goods, primarily agricultural products: 'In addition to the economic advantages to the market and to the citizens of Israel, the current effort will allow us to further strengthen the alliance and ties between Israel and the US. '

Ministers Katz and Smotrich:

'Will not neglect safety of Jewish residents'

During a tour of Judea and Samaria, Ministers Katz and Smotrich say they are committed to developing Jewish communities and fighting illegal Arab construction.

Smotrich resigns from government in spat with Ben-Gvir

Finance Minister resigns 'temporarily' in response to Otzma Yehudit's failure to remove MK Kroizer from the Knesset under the coalition agreement.

Under Smotrich’s leadership:

Four new jurisdictional areas established in Judea and Samaria

Four new jurisdictional areas approved in Judea and Samaria in the past week. This move will enable the advancement of construction for thousands of housing units in the region.

Religious Zionist party demands Ben-Gvir leave Knesset

Coalition parties clash over attempts to return Tzvi Succot to the Knesset by having another MK take a position as a minister instead.

Netanyahu:

'Our enemies wanted the budget to fail so the govt. would fall'

PM congratulates Finance Minister Smotrich on the passage of the State of Israel's budget today.

2025 State budget passes final vote

Knesset approves NIS 619 billion budget in 2nd and 3rd readings. Finance Minister Smotrich: "A budget that provides a response to the needs of the war until victory and encourages growth."

Smotrich:

'This is Israel's victory budget'

'This is the budget of war and reservists, the story of heroes on the border, pioneering settlers, and a whole nation going to war to win and bring back the hostages.'

Hamas furious:

'Israel changing demographic reality in Judea and Samaria'

Hamas warns against expansion of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, claiming an Israeli effort to change demographics in the region; calls for international intervention.

Judea and Samaria:

13 communities to be recognized

Security Cabinet approves proposal of Minister Smotrich to authorize splitting of 13 communities in Judea and Samaria from their adjacent communities and work toward recognizing them as independent communities.

Following overnight discussion

Knesset approves Arrangements Law

Knesset approves Arrangements Law as well as State Budget Frameworks Law, which form the central economic legislative package for the coming year. Netanyahu evacuated to shelter during sirens, while Smotrich continues speaking.

'Just Like Hamas':

Hostages' families denounce Smotrich

Families of hostages confronted the Minister of Finance at a tribute event for security forces. He was unfazed.