Bezalel Smotrich

Israel cancels tax on disposables

Finance Minister touts move as campaign promise government has fulfilled, while Environmental Protection Minister protests the move.

Senior officials warn:

Transfer of authority will be perceived as 'de facto annexation'

As PM prepares to hand power over civilian life in Judea & Samaria to Religious Zionism leader, some fear international repercussions.

Over Gallant's objections:

Netanyahu transfers powers over Judea and Samaria to Smotrich

PM takes Smotrich's side in heated debate with Defense Minister, citing coalition agreements.

Op-ed:

A sober assessment of Israel's geo-political constraints

The new government will enact its domestic changes. Re sovereignty, it has more constraints and may change facts on the ground first.Op-ed.

Government moves forward with 'mini-annexation' plan

Netanyahu government planning major Judea and Samaria reforms which could lead to massive increase in Israeli population beyond Green Line.

Minister Strock to INN:

'It's time for Netanyahu to take control of the situation'

Minister Strock explains that her party cannot accept a situation in which the powers promised to Minister Smotrich are not given to him.

Galant vs Smotrich:

Police demolish outpost, despite right-wing ministers' orders

Arabs rampage through newly-built hilltop outpost, assaulting Jews as police begin demolition - in violation of right-wing ministers' orders

Tax credits:

Finance Minister to expand eligibility to parents of under-18s

Income tax credit points are worth NIS 235 per month. New rules to apply once state budget passes.

Watch: Bi-partisan US delegation refuses to meet 'far-right' MKs

The delegation of US Senators includes a number of high-ranking GOP members.

Report:

Democrat pushing for Senate boycott of Ben-Gvir, Smotrich

Senator Jacky Rosen reportedly looking to bar upcoming Senate delegation to Israel from meeting with right-wing Israeli ministers.

Right-wing politicians respond to anti-government demonstration

MK Miki Zohar stated, 'We promised the public change, we promised governance, we promised reforms, and we will follow through.'

NIS 139 million of PA tax funds sent to terror victims' families

Funds transferred to families of victims of numerous terrorist attacks from the Second Intifada period.

With approval of Defense Minister:

New Chief of Staff to meet Smotrich

Major General Herzi Halevi to meet Thursday with Smotrich, who also serves as a Minister in the Ministry of Defense.

Netanyahu, Smotrich present plan to combat cost of living

Price increases for fuel, water, and electricity to be reduced or frozen

PA blasts Smotrich:

'Offsetting PA funds for victims of terrorism is extortion'

PA cabinet leader: The "Palestinian people" and its leadership will not deviate from the fight for the realization of their rights.

Smotrich:

'If it were up to Aharon Barak there would be no Arutz Sheva'

Finance Minister accuses critics of proposed judicial reforms of hypocrisy, says reforms will strengthen the courts and democracy.

Minister Smotrich announces reappropriation of PA funding

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the reappropriation of funding from the Palestinian Authority to victims of terror.

Millions for terror victims:

Smotrich implements sanctions on PA

Finance Minister to sign order transferring NIS 139 million of PA finds to terror victims under Litvak verdict.

Smotrich to Judge Barak:

'You have caused enough damage, don't add insult to injury'

Finance Minister responds to former Supreme Court President who denounced judicial reforms in series of interviews.

Canceling disposables tax? Environmentalists cry foul

Environment experts are warning against Smotrich's proposed plan to cancel the tax imposed by former Finance Minister, Liberman.

Israel’s power couple

Critics fear they will change the country forever, but their incredible electoral success proves the change has already happened. Op-ed.

First Act As Finance Minister

Smotrich vows greater competition, fewer taxes in new government

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for swift removal of taxes added by Liberman on soft drinks and disposables.

Details of Smotrich's plan to combat cost of living revealed

Finance Minister seeks to freeze rise in electricity prices, grant tax benefits to low salary workers.

Smotrich to WSJ:

'New govt. brings Israel closer to American model'

Religious Zionism party chairman says his party seeks to expand individual freedom, bring economy and judiciary more in line with US.

Knesset passes Deri and Smotrich laws, Knesset Speaker resigns

Two key coalition bills passed two days before swearing-in of new government.

Smotrich's brother:

'You'd never dare to come out against the haredim this way'

Brother of Finance Minister-designate criticizes Netanyahu after he condemned Orit Strock.

Incoming government to strip attorney general of veto power

Proposed legislation would drastically reduce the attorney general's influence on future laws.

Report:

Smotrich to control construction approval in Judea and Samaria

Likud and Religious Zionist parties reportedly agree to dramatically reduce PM's involvement in construction approval for Judea and Samaria.

Coalition deal: Promoting sovereignty in Judea and Samaria

PM-designate pledges to MK Smotrich to begin process of applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich's achievements:

Budgets for state-religious education, Jewish settlement

National-Religious Chief Rabbi to be appointed, programs to enhance Jewish identity promoted.

18 minutes before the deadline

Netanyahu tells Herzog: I have succeeded in forming a government

Religious Zionist Party is the first to sign an agreement with the Likud.

Eizenkot to Likud:

'It's not too late to stop'

Former Chief of Staff says Smotrich and Ben Gvir will harm the IDF's mission to provide security and will lead to a binational state.

After four-hour filibuster:

Knesset approves 'Deri-Smotrich Law' in first reading

Knesset approves bill allowing Deri to be appointed a minister and giving Smotrich powers over the Civil Administration.

Benny Gantz: New government will have 3 Defense Ministers

Govt poised to pass law dividing authority within Defense Ministry.

Smotrich visits Rabbi Druckman: 'His condition is not good'

Finance Minister-designate calls on public to pray for recovery of Rabbi Chaim Druckman. 'He is unconscious.'

Watch: Singer Avraham Fried meets MK Bezalel Smotrich

Hasidic singer and Religious Zionist Party chief meet at Jerusalem hotel following Chabad holiday.

Security to be upgraded to protect ministers in new government

New weapons & systems needed to ensure safety of ministers from Judea & Samaria.

UAE Ambassador meets Smotrich:

'We will deepen the relationship with Israel'

MK Bezalel Smotrich meets UAE ambassador to Israel. The two discuss promoting normalization with other Arab countries.

Smotrich:

'Netanyahu fully backs dissolution of the Civil Administration'

Religious Zionism party chairman speaks of unexpected difficulties in the coalition negotiations.

Report:

Deri walks out of meeting with Netanyahu and Smotrich

Shas chairman seeks to bypass the budget department when it comes to his ministries. Smotrich objects.

Smotrich doubles down on bid to amend Law of Return

Day after Netanyahu told NBC News he doubts grandfather clause will be removed from Law of Return, Religious Zionist Party reiterates demand

Coalition agreement with Religious Zionism published in full

All government responses to High Court on settlements to require Smotrich's approval.

"On the verge of an agreement"

Further progress made between Likud, Religious Zionist parties

Likud and Religious Zionist parties say they made progress in negotiations and are close to signing an agreement.

Ben-Gvir slams Smotrich: Stop wasting time on Knesset Speaker

Otzma Yehudit chairman says Religious Zionism party counterpart making 'big mistake' in not allowing vote on next Knesset Speaker now.

This is the main disagreement between Religious Zionism & Likud

While Smotrich demands control of Civil Administration, Netanyahu worries policies will cause diplomatic conflicts with US, EU, report says.

Deal in sight?

Netanyahu to meet with Smotrich Monday as talks progress

After progress made in negotiations with Religious Zionist Party, Likud officials optimistic coalition agreement may be signed soon.

"Positive atmosphere"

Netanyahu and Smotrich meet, make progress

Likud says the meeting was held in a good atmosphere and the sides will meet again on Monday.

Poll:

Public approves of Ben Gvir's ministerial appointment

Things look different, however, for Aryeh Deri, Bezalel Smotrich and Miri Regev.

Why Smotrich is being so stubborn in coalition talks

Bezalel Smotrich is a seasoned politician. Why is he insisting on separating the Civil Administration from the Defense Ministry? Op-ed.

Report:

Compromise reached between Smotrich, Deri, and Netanyahu

Religious Zionism chair reportedly drops demand for Defense Min., will receive Finance Min. instead. Deri to receive 3 ministries.

Religious Zionism to Likud: 'We'll form a government together'

MK Bezalel Smotrich joins conference alongside Likud representatives, tells them that 'a good government will be formed in the coming days.'

Smotrich willing to forgo Defense Ministry - on one condition

Religious Zionism chief agrees to forgo Defense Ministry - but only if he receives responsibility for management of Judea & Samaria affairs.

Report:

Smotrich demanding sovereignty plan be part of coalition deal

Smotrich reportedly demanding Netanyahu include in coalition agreement a plan to promote sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich responds to attacks:

'We will keep to our demands, they can't turn us into an enemy'

Netanyahu supporters are attacking the Religious Zionism chair for standing by his demand to be Defense Minister in the next government.

MK Orit Strock:

'Netanyahu is delegitimizing us'

"Prior to elections, Netanyahu said nothing about not wanting Smotrich in Defense Ministry."

Likud offers Foreign Ministry to Smotrich

Netanyahu hopes to persuade Smotrich to drop demand for Defense or Finance portfolio.

Poll:

Public thinks Deri, Smotrich not suitable for Finance, Defense

Israeli public not thrilled with Shas chairman as Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman as Defense Minister.

Ben-Gvir to Netanyahu:

Appoint Smotrich to position of Defense Minister

MK Ben-Gvir calls for MK Smotrich to be given Defense Ministry, says move will allow right-wing policies. 'His demand is legitimate.'

This is the compromise deal Netanyahu and Deri offered

It is not yet clear if Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu will succeed in forming a government by the middle of next week.

Netanyahu sets deadline for forming government

Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu sets middle of next week as deadline for swearing in new government.