Bezalel Smotrich

Smotrich planning to cancel party primaries

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to bring proposal to kill party members' ability to choose representatives, hand control to a small forum instead.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'UN condemnation of Israel is October 7th of today'

Minister Smotrich calls on PM Netanyahu at an Arutz Sheva and Samaria Council Conference to wake up to Macron's move to recognize a Palestinian state and to immediately apply sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich orders

900 million shekels from PA - for terror victims

Immediately upon his return from a visit to India, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed the seizure and offset of frozen Palestinian Authority funds, directing them to compensation for the families of terror victims.

Chabad's unique gift to Israel's Finance Minister

Chabad Delhi surprises Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, presenting him with a unique gift during his trip to India.

Haaretz reporter:

'Smotrich has effectively annexed Judea and Samaria'

Hagar Shezaf, the former Haaretz correspondent for Judea and Samaria, said that Smotrich carried out a revolution by transferring civilian authorities in Judea and Samaria into his hands.

'Exceptional concerns'

Netherlands bars Ben Gvir and Smotrich from Schengen Zone

Netherlands says ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich will be banned from entering the 29 countries comprising Europe’s Schengen area.

In response to Israeli ban:

Spain bans Ben-Gvir and Smotrich from entering the country

After Israel banned Spain's far-left anti-Israel Deputy PM and Minister of Youth and Children, Spanish Foreign Minister announced a ban on Israel's National Security and Finance Ministers.

Galilee Minister claims Smotrich is withholding funds

Minister Yitzchak Wasserlauf claimed that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has diverted hundreds of millions of shekels from his ministry's budget.

Haaretz Against Smotrich

'Turning annexation into a working plan'

Haaretz journalist Amira Hass criticizes Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's newly unveiled "sovereignty plan" and warns that Smotrich is known for achieving his goals.

Presenting: The Sovereignty Plan

Finance Minister Smotrich, Yesha Council head Yisrael Ganz, and heads of the councils of Judea and Samaria presented the Sovereignty Plan this morning.

Smotrich presents plan for victory in Gaza

Smotrich emphasized, "The State of Israel does not have the privilege of ending the campaign in Gaza without victory. There is only one option — decision and victory."

Smotrich to Gantz:

'Welcome to join the government - without preconditions'

Smotrich: "If Gantz wants to join to strengthen our resilience to defeat the enemy until complete victory and the return of all hostages - I welcome it."

Smotrich threatens to quit government over hostage deal

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that he will leave the government if Netanyahu proceeds with any deal with Hamas.

Poll:

Netanyahu wins 28 seats, Religious Zionist Party gains strength

The data indicates a strengthening of Likud, which continues to dominate the political landscape. In a scenario where a right-wing, security-focused party runs, it would secure 13 seats.

Finance Minister announces tax exemption for milk imports

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to sign order exempting milk imports from tax, in attempt to resolve shortage.

Final Approval:

Construction moves ahead in E1

The Civil Administration has approved two major construction plans in the Maale Adumim region, ending decades of delay.

Smotrich to Netanyahu:

Order a charge into Gaza, we'll have victory before winter

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed nationwide protests as a failure, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to ignore pressure and order the IDF to fully defeat Hamas in Gaza.

'Equality Begins On The Battlefield':

Smotrich approves plots exclusively for reservists

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has signed off on a plan allowing the marketing of land plots for private construction exclusively to IDF reservists.

Smotrich to Arutz Sheva:

We are answering European hypocrisy

Minister Smotrich hails E1 housing launch as a historic move to solidify Israeli territory and reject European efforts to promote a Palestinian state, thanks Trump admin. for support.

Maaleh Adumim mayor announces E1 plan, recites special blessing

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hails 'historic step' following approval of 6,900 new housing units in E1 and 'Desert Bird' neighborhood linking Maaleh Adumim to Jerusalem.

Burying idea of Palestinian state

Smotrich to approve thousands of housing units in E1

Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich to approve the construction of 3,401 housing units in E1 area, connecting Ma’ale Adumim and Jerusalem. “Breaking conventions, this is Zionism at its best.”

Netanyahu:

We knew in advance Iran's enriched uranium couldn't be destroyed

PM tells i24NEWS that Israel would have struck Iran even without American approval.

Smotrich reveals

Netanyahu planned to form government with Mansour Abbas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed for the first time on "The Patriots" program that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intended to form a government with Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas.

Smotrich's criticism continues:

'Maybe Netanyahu can't stand the pressure'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused PM Netanyahu of caving to pressure over Gaza, warning the cabinet’s decision risks halting the war and abandoning hostages.

Lapid pressures Smotrich:

Join me to dissolve Knesset over Gaza policy

Opposition leader urges finance minister to sign a “change of circumstances” letter, paving the way for a new motion to dissolve the Knesset after his sharp criticism of Netanyahu’s Gaza strategy.

Netanyahu

'The right has a special talent for toppling governments'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting to threats from right-wing parties to bring about the dissolution of the coalition if Hamas is not defeated in Gaza.

MK Tzvi Sukkot

'If we give up on the war goals we must go to new elections'

MK Tzvi Sukkot echoes the stance presented by Minister Bezalel Smotrich against Netanyahu: "If we decide to abandon the war goals, it is an existential threat to the State of Israel."

This is not how you win

I've lost confidence that Netanyahu can lead to victory

'The Prime Minister and the cabinet have succumbed to weakness, letting emotion override reason, and have once again decided to do more of the same.'

Tensions in Cabinet meeting:

Orit Strock, Aryeh Deri hold shouting match over Hamas deal

In heated confrontation Minister Orit Strock and MK Aryeh Deri debate potential deal to release hostages held by Hamas, Deri walks back support for Oslo Accords.

Smotrich announces:

We will soon return to settlements in northern Samaria

Minister Bezalel Smotrich reveals plans to reestablish settlements in northern Samaria, including Ganim and Kadim. 'The correction of the sin of expulsion is underway.'

Historic return to Sa-Nur

A group of families advocating for returning to Sa-Nur today visited the former town in northern Samaria today, marking 20 years since their expulsion.

Smotrich

'Without strangulation of Hamas, no chance of winning war'

Finance Minister Smotrich responds to reports that a special budget has been allocated for humanitarian aid in Gaza: "The Gazans don’t interest me, we must continue until we achieve victory."

NIS 3.2 billion budget for rebuilding south after Oct. 7 approved

Netanyahu: 'Today, the Government is approving extensive steps for the rebuilding, development and renewal of many communities in the Negev, and Ashkelon.'

20 years on:

Core group forms to rebuild Sa-Nur in northern Samaria

Former residents and young couples gather for founding meeting to relaunch Sa-Nur, marking 20 years since the community's uprooting in the disengagement.

Smotrich:

'One response - total destruction!'

Smotrich calls Hamas terrorists "Nazis who abuse with inhuman cruelty", says the video of hostage Evyatar David aims to break the spirit of the people - but Israel will not surrender.

Smotrich:

'No more negotiations with Hamas for a partial deal'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich at the Vision Conference: "Either we continue until victory, or we succumb to fatigue and external pressures."

Smotrich to Arutz Sheva

'In the end, we’ll achieve far more than the war’s goals'

Finance Minister admits that he is not satisfied with the recent moves in Gaza but estimates that Israel is making progress towards achieving the goals that were set for the war.

Smotrich demands

'Revoke tax benefits for Physicians for Human Rights'

First Publication: Finance Minister calls on the Tax Authority to strip Physicians for Human Rights of its tax-exempt status following a report accusing Israel of war crimes.

Smotrich and Chief of Staff Zamir clash: I miss Herzi Halevi

In a tense cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Smotrich criticizes IDF Chief of Staff Zamir and voices longing for his predecessor, Herzi Halevi.

Smotrich:

'We must rebuild Gush Katif even bigger'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the war offers a unique opportunity to reverse the Disengagement.

Netherlands decides:

Smotrich and Ben Gvir to be barred entry

Netherlands to ban Smotrich and Ben Gvir from entering the country. The Israeli ambassador will be summoned for a discussion.

Gifts for Hamas?

Smotrich to party members: We will be judged by the outcome

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says strategic move underway, rejects idea of quitting government. 'Inappropriate political considerations during wartime.'

Trump in dramatic statment:

'Hamas wants to die instead of making a deal'

US President Donald Trump declared that Hamas sabotaged the hostage deal and that Israel must now 'fight and clear the area.' Finance Minister Smotrich added: 'The humiliating negotiations are over—now is the time for victory.'

'Terrorism pays off':

Israeli leaders slam Macron for recognizing Palestinian state

Israeli leaders condemn French President Emmanuel Macron’s announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, accuse him of rewarding Hamas and betraying the Jewish people.

Smotrich:

IDF Chief of Staff supports annexation of territory in Gaza

Finance Minister reveals top-level IDF backing for plan to establish Jewish communities in northern Gaza, calling it a 'great opportunity.'

Smotrich

'Toppling government means defeat against Hamas'

Finance Minister warns against dismantling the government over the Draft Law, stating, "Woe to anyone who topples the government and drags us into elections that will, God forbid, lead to a halt in the war and a defeat."

'War against Torah learners'

Gafni and Smotrich trade blows over haredi conscription

Gafni accuses religious Zionists of waging war on Torah learners; Smotrich fires back, urging him to witness their sacrifice and spirit.

Persona non grata

Slovenia sanctions Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

Slovenia becomes the first EU country to impose sanctions and declare Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich persona non grata over alleged incitement and human rights violations.

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir denounce emerging deal

Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have both announced their opposition to any ceasefire plan that includes withdrawal from Gaza.

Smotrich warns: Humanitarian aid to Gaza is crazy

Finance Minister vows to block aid to Gaza, warns concessions to Hamas threaten Israel’s security and prolong the war.

Smotrich reveals:

After October 7 massacre, I wanted to resign

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shares initial decision to resign after the October 7 massacre, says his father encouraged him to stay and help manage the war.

Smotrich attacks:

Chief of Staff fails in managing distribution of humanitarian aid

Minister of Finance and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich slams decision to continue Gaza aid: 'A strategic failure endangering IDF soldiers and providing a lifeline to Hamas.'

'You're against the army'

Chief of Staff, Smotrich attack each other during Cabinet meeting

During a security cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched an unprecedented attack on the military, accusing it of failing to manage humanitarian aid effectively. Chief of Staff Zamir responded sharply, claiming Smotrich was weakening the spirit of the soldiers

Netanyahu's promise to Smotrich and Ben Gvir

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests those threatening to leave government over deal's approval wait until end of Knesset recess, allowing time to reassess.

Report:

IDF Chief, ministers clash over Gaza war strategy

A heated security meeting sees IDF Chief of Staff Zamir clash with Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir over Gaza operations, with ministers alleging stagnation. The discussion concludes with Netanyahu's firm directive for an evacuation plan.

Lapid offers to counter:

Will Smotrich and Ben-Gvir shoot down hostage deal?

Ben-Gvir pushes for united front against hostage deal as Lapid pledges support to ensure it passes.

Smotrich on hostage deal:

'No more dialogue with murderers, we must win'

Minister Smotrich hails strategic victories over Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria, urging total defeat of Hamas without concessions or negotiations to ensure lasting security.