Bezalel Smotrich

'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.

IDF recognizes jurisdictions of two Judea and Samaria communities

IDF Central Command Commanding Officer Avi Bluth signed an official order recognizing the jurisdictions of Ahiya and Adorim, a substantial move that will advance construction and development plans.

Smotrich's policy: Enforcement in Gush Etzion

'We won't allow Arab takeover of national lands,' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says.

Smotrich:

'We will fight till we crush our enemies; there is no other way'

'Hamas is collapsing, Hezbollah has fallen apart, Iran is deterred, but you can't expect victory overnight. We continue to fight,' Finance Minister Smotrich says on war.

'He wants the next fallen soldier'

Lapid's insane allegation about Smotrich

Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid attacks Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, says he isn't interested in bringing hostages home.

Smotrich's ultimatum:

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israel to set an ultimatum for Hamas if it would continue to delay the release of hostages.

Freed hostage's cousin confronts Minister Smotrich

Eyal Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon who was freed from Hamas captivity, interrupts Smotrich's remarks during a meeting of the Religious Zionist Party, before being removed by security.

War widows support Smotrich

A group of war widows wrote to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'We support you and your struggle for the same path that called to our husbands.'

Smotrich:

'Cabinet must immediately implement Trump's plan'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for israel to immediately adopt Trump's plan to relocate Gazans, and added that the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria should be sent away as well.

Smotrich:

'The comparisons to the Holocaust are wrong'

Finance Minister criticizes the use of Holocaust-related terms when discussing the hostages: The suffering of our hostages in Hamas' cruel captivity is heartbreaking, but comparisons to the Holocaust are a serious mistake and trivialize the Holocaust.

Sovereignty and Security:

Smotrich conveys message to Netanyahu before meeting with Trump

'We must strengthen our hold and sovereignty over our homeland territories in Judea and Samaria,' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expresses support for PM Netanyahu ahead of his meeting with US President Trump.

Smotrich:

'We must eliminate the crowds at the release ceremony'

Bezalel Smotrich denounced the Hamas release ceremony and called for the Palestinian Arabs taking part to be eliminated.

'Government will remain stable'

Degel Hatorah rejects Deri and Smotrich's threats

Despite threats of elections if draft law is not passed within two months, Deputy Minister Uri Maklev says the government has overcome many challenges and will remain stable.

Smotrich threatens: 'We'll dissolve the Knesset'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tells haredi parties he won't compromise on Draft Law, says he has no problem 'passing the budget and dissolving the Knesset.'

Haredi parties warn Smotrich: You'll bring down the government

Haredi party leaders slam Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, warn that if he brings down the Draft Law, the government will fall.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'We will work to execute Trump's emigration plan for Gaza'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the risks of the hostage deal and called to adopt President Trump's proposal to move Gazans to another country.

Mark Levin:

'There are no extremists in the Netanyahu government'

The American commentator pushed back on calls by family members of hostages for Trump to defy so-called 'extremists' in the Israeli government.

Smotrich:

'Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans is a good idea'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate part of the Gaza population to other places like Egypt and Jordan while reconstruction takes place.

Incoming US Amb to UN:

'Israel has biblical right to Judea and Samaria'

Elise Stefanik, incoming US Amb to UN, says she agrees with Smotrich & Ben Gvir, that 'Israel has a biblical right to Judea and Samaria.'

Smotrich's plan:

'Replace senior IDF command and get back to war'

Smotrich congratulates Chief of Staff and criticizes his conduct during the war, hoping for a change in senior command and return to fighting, 'this time until complete victory.'

At Smotrich's orders:

Amnesty International loses tax benefits in Israel

Israel's Tax Authority, acting on instructions from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, revokes Amnesty International's tax benefit due to organization's anti-Israel activities, support for BDS.

Hamas to be defeated, celebrations prevented in Judea, Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich successfully pushed for the ceasefire deal with Hamas to include a section requiring the prevention of celebrations following the release of convicted terrorists into Judea and Samaria.

Hostage deal:

Netanyhu accepts Smotrich's demands

Significant progress has been made in talks between Minister Smotrich and PM Netanyahu to allow the Religious Zionism part to remain in the government after the Cabinet approves the hostage deal.

Religious Zionist party:

'We won't bolt government if fighting resumes after 1st stage'

Religious Zionist party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, clarifies that it opposes a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal with Hamas, but will remain in government if fighting resumes following the first stage of the deal.

Will he leave the government?

Smotrich condemns deal, sets condition for Netanyahu

Minister Smotrich voiced his strong opposition to the deal that was reached between Israel and Hamas and restated that his party would only remain in the government if Israel returned to the fighting.

Smotrich:

We won't topple government if Halevi is replaced & Hamas defeated

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presents Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with list of demands to ensure Israel's security - even if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is signed.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Our most important goals are victory and bringing hostages home'

'I consider these matters quietly, behind closed doors, in a very substantive, serious, insightful, and in-depth discussion,' says Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on emerging hostage deal.

Smotrich's brother:

'The deal of surrender necessitates elections'

Tuvia Smotrich, brother of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, calls for elections, says the government "contradicts the most important core promise of the post-October 7 era."

Deal to stay in Gov't:

Netanyahu makes offer to Ben Gvir and Smotrich

Following threats by Chairman of Otzma Yehudit to resign in the event of a deal approval, PM makes offer to Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, on condition that they remain in the government.

Ben-Gvir to Smotrich:

'Let's leave the government together if deal goes through'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join forces in opposing the emerging hostage deal.

Call on Ben Gvir and Smotrich:

'Leave the government if archterrorists are freed'

Bereaved families write to Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, demanding an emergency meeting and calling on them to resign from the government in the wake of the deal that will see the release of terrorists.

Smotrich against hostage deal:

'A catastrophe for Israel's national security'

'We will not support a surrender deal that includes the release of arch-terrorists, stops the war, and undermines our achievements,' Finance Minister and security cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich says on the emerging hostage deal.

Soldier's family confront Finance Minister at condolence visit

The Perl family expressed frustration to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a condolence visit for their son Matityahu Perel.

Smotrich's security increased following death threats

The Finance Minister is now accompanied by nearly as many bodyguards as the Prime Minister is after Palestinian Arabs published calls to assassinate him.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

'Shechem, Funduq and Jenin must look like Jabaliya'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on security forces to take decisive action to confront terrorism in Judea and Samaria after 3 people were murdered near his hometown of Kedumim today.

Minister Smotrich:

'The image of victory - the return of residents to the north'

Ministers Smotrich and Elkin published to reimbursement plan for residents returning to northern Israel. Residents will receive a grant of 15,400 NIS for an adult and 7,700 NIS for a child, plus an additional 'vacancy reimbursement.'

Finance Minister extends import tax exemptions for food products

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signs two-year extension for tax exemptions for a list of food products. 'Impact will be felt in every home.'

Otzma Yehudit votes against the position of the coalition

Otzma Yehudit accuses Smotrich of blocking the transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels to the police, votes against budget laws in the Knesset.

Smotrich:

'A partial deal would mean abandoning dozens of hostages'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the issue of hostages, emphasizing unity and criticizing the opposition for divisive rhetoric.

Smotrich:

'A ceasefire that means an end to fighting is a loss'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich meets bereaved families and says: "A responsible deal is one in which all the hostages are returned."

Smotrich in Metula:

'We'll continue to invest in the rehabilitation of the north'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits Metula with the leadership of the Finance Ministry: We are committed to a thorough reconstruction of the entire region.

Attack on Houthis:

Smotrich: 'Very good things were done last night in Yemen'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich prays at Kiryat Shmona yeshiva as its hundreds of students celebrate a return to their city, praises IAF strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Smotrich warns:

'Releasing hundreds of terrorists will rehabilitate Hamas'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich explains his opposition to the hostage release deal in its current form: "Releasing hundreds of terrorists who will rehabilitate Hamas' leadership is very bad."

Smotrich:

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams proposed prisoner swap deal, stressing that it won't bring back all the hostages. 'Hamas is at its lowest point, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline.'

Minister of Culture:

'Revoke budget from dance troupe that raised Palestinian flag'

Culture Minister Miki Zohar calls on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to revoke budget from Batsheva Dance Company after it raised a Palestinian flag during performance.

Budget approved, despite Ben Gvir-Smotrich dispute

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attacks Minister Smotrich over state budget debate; and Otzma Yehudit threatens not to vote with coalition.

Tax on disposables, sweetened drinks, to be canceled permanently

Finance Ministry publishes draft of order permanently cancelling the tax on sweetened drinks and disposables enacted by the Bennett-Lapid government in 2022.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Trump offers chance to overthrow Iran'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state and says economy will bounce back, despite ongoing war, steadying finances in 2025.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Take civil control over Gaza from Hamas'

Minister Smotrich conveys message to IDF: 'If someone in the General Staff's senior command does not know how to do this, or is unable to, they should step down.'

In Depth:

What is a 'Declaration of State Land'?

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently declared a large amount of land in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley to be 'state land'. How does such a process work, and what does this mean for Israel?

Smotrich to Netanyahu:

'The train route to Sderot must be reopened immediately'

Finance Minister sends letter to Prime Minister, requests that the issue of reopening the train route to Sderot be brought up at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.