Bezalel Smotrich

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.

Minister Smotrich:

Don't give in to threats, Bar's dismissal necessary

Smotrich stressed that 'any violent and forceful attempt by legal officials to deprive it of the authority granted to it by law to dismiss or appoint the head of the ISA is illegitimate, illegal, and undemocratic, and it must not be obeyed.'

Smotrich attacks:

'The Left is to blame for all of Israel's disasters'

Just before approving the state budget and dealing with the draft law, Smotrich confronts journalist Ben Caspit and accuses the Left of sowing the seeds for October 7th massacre.

Smotrich:

'IDF is deluding the Cabinet'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the IDF of not sharing relevant information with politicians.

Smotrich claims:

Former Chief of Staff hid info from Security Cabinet

According to the Minister of Finance, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi would silence dissenting opinions and did not speak to his own deputy and the head of the Personnel Directorate for months.

Minister Smotrich announces:

Relocation admin. will implement Trump's plan

Smotrich announces government setting up relocation administration to assist voluntary emigration plan for Gaza residents.

After 4-year boycott:

Minister Smotrich meets with American counterpart

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Minister discussed strengthening the economic partnership between the nations and thanked the administration for its support.

Smotrich leaves for Washington

Smotrich will meet with several senior administration officials including the Secretary of the Treasury. 'The goal of the visit is to strengthen the economic partnership between Israel and the US.'

'It's in your hands'

The battle between Smotrich and Gafni heats up

Finance Committee chair MK Moshe Gafni responds to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's statements about coalition funds.

Smotrich:

'Stopping aid important step in destroying Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomes the cessation of humanitarian aid to Gaza and says that Israel must open the gates of hell 'quickly and lethally.'

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Hostage deal will lead to rivers of blood spilled'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed that instead, Israel should annex Gaza until the hostages are returned.

Ministers and local authority heads:

'2025 must include sovereignty in Judea and Samaria'

Heads of the Yesha Council, ministers, Knesset members, and local authority leaders take part in Sovereignty Conference, speak about the unique opportunity to advance Israel’s sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich reveals:

This is the damage the Biden arms embargo on Israel caused

Finance Minister reveals that the US arms embargo on Israel last year forced Israel to use munition kits from the Yom Kippur War in Gaza.

Stopping the takeover:

Demolition of strategic sites in Judea and Samaria

In accordance with Bezalel Smotrich's policy of fighting illegal construction, the Civil Administration's enforcement unit today demolished buildings in two central locations in Judea and Samaria.

First publication:

Six new jurisdictional areas in Judea and Samaria

Through the efforts of Minister Smotrich: Over the past week, six new jurisdictional areas have been approved in Judea and Samaria, encompassing nearly 3,000 dunams, which will allow for the advancement of construction of over 6,000 housing units. In the coming weeks, about 15 additional jurisdictional areas will be approved.

Smotrich freezes additional PA funds

The Finance Minister has signed an order to take hundreds of millions of shekels from the Palestinian Authority for terror victims.

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that negotiations for the second stage of the deal with Hamas would not begin without the Cabinet's approval, report says.

Smotrich promises:

'This year we will demolish more than the PA builds'

Minister Smotrich, who oversees the Civil Administration, sets a target for 2025: For the first time since Oslo, there will be more demolishing of illegal Arab construction in Judea and Samaria than the start of new construction.