Bezalel Smotrich

Smotrich in the US:

'Despite all of our differences, we are one'

Finance Minister addresses Israel Bonds conference: I am committed to protect every innocent life, Jew or Arab.

Finance Ministry establishes special team to face SVB collapse

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ordered a special team of experts to evaluate the impact of the SVB collapse on the Israeli economy.

Smotrich apologizes to IDF soldiers, society for Huwara comments

Finance Min., in open letter, says he sees how his statement on 'wiping out' Huwara was misinterpreted by pilots.

US official: No boycott of Minister Smotrich

US official tells INN there is no policy to boycott any Israeli minister as no administration officials attend Israel Bonds conference.

Finance Minister Smotrich:

'Keep this dispute out of the IDF'

'Even at a time of dispute, we must remember that we are all brothers.'

Purim

Watch: Finance Minister Smotrich on the drums

To mark the Purim holiday, Israel's Finance Minister takes the drums dressed as a Hasid.

Tibi to int'l community:

'Prevent Smotrich from going abroad'

MK Ahmed Tibi claims that Minister Smotrich's comments on Huwara were deliberate and were not made by mistake.

So Smotrich is "persona non grata on steroids" in Washington

Strange. Abbas,called to ethnically cleanse Jews and destroy Israel, but is not considered "persona non grata." Op-ed.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Dedicated to the saying 'through your blood will come life'

Religious Zionism held a special session to commemorate party activist Hallel Yaniv and his brother Yagel, who were murdered last week.

Former US Amb Dan Shapiro:

'Smotrich's comments harm US-Israel relations'

Ex-Obama Administration Ambassador to Israel reacts to reports US considering barring Smotrich from entering country.

TV report:

US mulling preventing Smotrich from entering the country

Report says discussions are currently taking place in Washington on whether to grant Smotrich an entry visa for his visit this week.

Netanyahu responds to Nides

'Foreign diplomats also make mistakes'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relates to Smotrich’s clarification of comments on Huwara: Important to tone down the rhetoric.

'I'm not mad'

Smotrich responds to US Ambassador Nides

Last week the Ambassador called to throw the Finance Minister off his flight to Washington.

'I misspoke'

Smotrich clarifies controversial call to 'erase Huwara'

Finance Minister says call to 'Erase Huwara' was made in the 'heat of emotions.' Adding: 'We need to be clear in our fight against terror.'

Saudi Arabia blasts Smotrich:

'We completely reject these racist and irresponsible statements'

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemns Smotrich's comments on Huwara: They reflect the violence practiced by the occupying Israeli entity.

'Persona non grata on steroids'

US officials livid, will boycott Smotrich

TV report: US officials are livid following Smotrich’s call to “wipe out” Huwara, will not meet him during his visit to Washington.

UAE criticizes Smotrich's statement on Huwara

UAE Foreign Ministry says it rejects "all practices and behaviors that contradict moral and human values and principles".

'Unacceptable, irresponsible'

UN condemns Smotrich's call to 'wipe out' Huwara

Spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres calls on all sides 'refrain from incitement, inflammatory rhetoric.'

J Street to US administration:

'Don't meet Smotrich, re-examine his entry visa'

J Street denounces Smotrich's comments on Huwara: No US government officials should legitimize his extremism by meeting with him.

'Repugnant, disgusting'

US condemns Smotrich's call to 'wipe out' Huwara

State Department Spokesman Ned Price says US condemns 'incitement to violence' from Israel and Palestinians.

Smotrich, Ben-Gvir blamed:

'They give moral support to rioters,' claim security officials

'Events in Huwara were organized. Baruch Goldstein II was only averted by a miracle,' sources say.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'We must not take the law into our hands'

Minister Smotrich criticizes Jewish riots in Huwara: We must not take the law into our hands and create a dangerous anarchy.

Crisis over:

Smotrich and Gallant agree on Defense Ministry power-sharing

Netanyahu, Gallant, and Smotrich signed a document of understanding on the division of power over the Civil Administration.

Cabinet to discuss state budget

A day before the deadline for the cabinet to approve the budget, Finance Minister has a multi-front war to fight.

New multi-year plan for IDF agreed upon

The plan, which will be included in the state budget, will regulate many issues related to the IDF and the defense establishment.

Smotrich's ultimatum

Religious Zionism party chairman reportedly says he will not support passage of budget unless coalition agreement fulfilled.

In rare English tweet, Smotrich slams 'populist' Coalition allies

Hoping to reassure credit rating agencies abroad, Finance Minister rejects 'populist' attacks by Coalition members on interest rate hike.

Smotrich refuses to attend discussion with IDF Chief of Staff

Finance Minister refuses to take part in discussion on powers in Judea and Samaria. Smotrich: I'm trying not to involve IDF in politics.

Chief of Staff warns PM not to transfer Yesha powers to Smotrich

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi holds unusual conversation with PM Netanyahu imploring him not to transfer authority away from defense minister.

New Samaria demolition reignites coalition crisis

Defense Minister Gallant again overrides Smotrich, orders Samaria demolition.

Smotrich:

'There are things in the reform that we would be willing to fix'

Finance Minister speaks to Facebook users on judicial reform: We need to try and reach agreements. We know how to do it.

9,000 new housing units to be approved in Judea and Samaria

The cabinet has decided to immediately implement several decisions to strengthen Judea and Samaria.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'The US administration knows we're committed to the settlements'

Despite their protests, we're going to normalize life in Judea and Samaria, says Finance Minister.

US warns Israel:

'Transferring authority to Smotrich is a step toward annexation'

Govt. official responds: It's unthinkable the US would interfere in the working of the Israeli government in this way.

Settlement freeze?

Religious Zionism party insists it won't happen, 'period'

Meanwhile, Smotrich asks Yesha leaders to "pause" establishing new outposts.

Bezalel Smotrich:

Finance Minister may only abolish tax on diet soda

Following pressure from doctors' union, Finance Minister weighs leaving tax on regular soda intact.

Report:

Smotrich asked: No new outposts in Judea and Samaria

Religious Zionist chairman presented plans for "Settlement Administration" to heads of local authorities in Judea and Samaria.

'It's a holiday for me'

Yitzhar activist to enter Knesset under 'Norwegian Law'

The right-wing activist will become the Knesset's newest member this week after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich resigned from the Knesset.

1.50 NIS hotdogs?

Minister Smotrich invites Costco to enter Israeli market

The Finance Minister reached out to the wholesale giant in an attempt to lower the cost of living and increase competition.

For the first time:

Smotrich doubles offset of PA terror funding

Twice the amount the PA pays terrorists to be deducted from PA tax revenues. Smotrich: "We will no longer be party to this farce."

Coalition strife:

Tensions between Smotrich and Gallant about to boil over

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich losing patience waiting to receive authority over Civil Administration.

Smotrich:

Himi scandal shows current judicial selection doesn't work

Finance Minister: 'When judges are appointed in a dark room, the corruption spreads.'

Smotrich seeks new policy:

Revocation of citizenship, deportation to Gaza, home demolition

Finance Minister says harsher measures are required in order to deter future terrorist attacks.

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.