Bezalel Smotrich

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.

Bezalel Smotrich:

Lebanese government must pay for ceasefire violation

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says IDF 'enforcing agreement,' stresses that Lebanese government must be forced to pay a price for ceasefire violations, or it won't enforce the ceasefire.

Smotrich:

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich thanks US President-elect Donald Trump for clarifying that Hamas will suffer a heavy blow if Israeli hostages are not returned prior to Inauguration Day.

Bezalel Smotrich:

The right thing is to resettle Gaza

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he wants the hostages home but will 'not lend a hand to an agreement to surrender,' believes resettling Gaza is the right thing, but 'it is not one of the goals of the war - we need to dismantle Hamas.'

Minister Smotrich:

'The heroism of the people of Kibbutz Nir Oz is an inspiration'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich meets representatives of Kibbutz Nir Oz: "We will continue to stand and work for the development and renewed growth of the kibbutz."

On Lebanese border:

Smotrich: IDF must maintain freedom of action to strike Hezbollah

'Many called me an extremist, today everyone understands how necessary it was to remove the threat on Israel's northern border,' says Bezalel Smotrich.

After Smotrich's pressure:

US says it will block recognition of PA state at UNSC

Israeli government approves extending indemnities to PA banks for another year to prevent the PA economy from collapsing after the Biden Administration assured Israel it would veto any UN Security Council resolution recognizing a Palestinian State.

Finance Min. to Labor Min.:

'Add special status for reservists to daycare subsidy criteria'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich requests that Labor Minister Yoav Ben Tzur add a special status for IDF reservists, allowing them to receive daycare subsidies.

National Camp formulates new strategy in leadup to Trump's term

National Camp unites, for first time since US elections, in special Yesha Council meeting, to formulate strategy for upcoming change of US government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich earns new title: Grandpa

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his wife Revital welcome their eldest son's first child, a boy.

Bezalel Smotrich:

US presidential transition - two challenging and dangerous months

'There is opportunity for historic changes for Judea and Samaria, but we must navigate them very carefully and responsibly. I’ll even say, patiently,' said Bezalel Smotrich at the Yesha Council conference.

Smotrich on northern deal:

'We must not forget the achievements; we crushed Hezbollah'

Minister Bezalel Smotrich addresses the Yesha Council conference and speaks about the possibility of a ceasefire agreement in the north, 'This is a very complex situation. Entire villages have been completely destroyed.'

Smotrich to chief rabbis:

Strengthen the State of Israel's Jewish identity

During a working meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich talks with newly-appointed chief rabbis, Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Ber, about key issues to benefit Israeli citizens.

Smotrich may prevent money transfers to PA due to ICC warrants

Finance Minister Smotrich is considering taking action in the against the Palestinian Authority due to their activities against Israel in international institutions.

Five Years Ago:

'We might wake up to a massive attack'

In February 2017, Bezalel Smotrich warned against 'a massive attack from Gaza with hundreds of casualties and hostages.' His warning was laughed off.

Last-ditch effort:

Democrats call on Biden to sanction Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

17 Democratic senators and 71 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter to the President calling on him to take advantage of his time left in office to sanction the two senior Israeli officials.

Brother of terror victim, Ari Fuld:

'Huckabee fulfilling Ari’s legacy of love for Israel'

Brother of terror victim, Ari Fuld, sends emotional message to Mike Huckabee after his appointment as the next US Ambassador to Israel.

Minister Smotrich at Nir Oz:

'I am committed to bringing the hostages home'

During his visit, Minister Smotrich met with Sigal Yehud, widow of Dolev, murdered on 10/7 and Dolev's sister-in-law, Sharon Aloni Cunio, who was released from captivity.

Netanyahu:

'Annexation when Trump returns'

The Prime Minister said recently in closed talks that after Trump's entry into the White House, the issue of sovereignty over the Judea and Samaria areas should be revisited.

Abbas' spokesman:

'We will thwart Smotrich's annexation plan'

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the official spokesman of PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, says that "the year 2025 will be the year of realization of the establishment of the Palestinian state."

Smotrich's conditions for daycare subsidies

The Religious Zionist party has announced that it will agree to support a bill that would enable daycare subsidies for yeshiva students only if at the same time there are preferential allocations and additions for reservists.

605B NIS:

Government approves 2025 budget

The government has approved a state budget for 2025 of approximately 605 billion shekels, an important step in avoiding early elections.

'I will not oppose deal in advance'

Smotrich's message to families of hostages

Families of hostages met with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who told them: I will not decide in advance and I will not say in advance that I am against the deal until I know exactly what is on the table.

Smotrich bursts into tears while discussing fallen soldiers

Minister Bezalel Smotrich cried while talking about members of the religious Zionist community who fell in battle. 'The religious Zionist sector has paid a price disproportionate to its percentage of the population.'

Finance Minister rejects Draft Law ultimatum: 'Not happening'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to Housing Minister's demand that the Draft Law pass before the State budget.

US Treasury Sec. to Netanyahu:

Stop Palestinian Authority from collapsing

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen together with counterparts from several other nations sent a letter warning the Israeli PM that his Finance Minister's policies may lead to the financial collapse of the PA.

The obstinance that led to Sinwar's death

The elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar illustrates the importance of persistence, patience, and the importance of 'hard and consistent work, and a willingness to pay prices, and not just special operations and isolated successes.'

Keir Starmer:

UK considering sanctions on Smotrich and Minister Ben Gvir

Keir Starmer to Ed Davey, 'UK considering sanctions for Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben Gvir.' 'The days of the Mandate are over. They do not scare me.'

Haredi Draft Law:

Smotrich's response to the Haredi threats

'I strongly reject attempts to set an irresponsible ultimatum for the approval of the state budget necessary for war and the resilience of the economy.'

Smotrich:

'Gazans should be the ones building defenses, not us'

Finance Minister responds after Globes newspaper says the citizens of Sderot have no train service due to his refusal to fund armored trains.

Former Chief of Staff:

'Ben Gvir and Smotrich are the threat, not Hamas'

Former Chief of Staff Dan Halutz says in left-wing demonstration that ministers Ben Gvir, Smotrich and Levin are the existential threat to the country and not the various terrorist organizations.

Smotrich opposed Nasrallah elimination? 'Fake report'

TV report claims Ministers Bezalel Smotrich, Yariv Levin and David Amsalem opposed Nasrallah's elimination. All three ministers reject the report.

Report:

Netanyahu excluded two ministers from key discussions

Channel 13 report: Netanyahu held a series of security discussions on Monday in the presence of cabinet ministers, with the exception of two ministers. PM's office: There is no truth to the report.

Finance Minister to propose: Close five government ministries

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to propose that each coalition party choose one ministry to close, aiming to reduce both government spending and public criticism, report says.

Yediot Aharonot:

'Smotrich is carrying out defacto annexation'

Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea claims that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is exerting too much influence in the civil administration of Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich:

'Rabbi Kook built a whole world around the Torah'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was among the hundreds who marked 89 years since the passing of Rabbi Kook: "The Rabbi taught that placing the Torah at the center is the key to being leading partners in the state."

Smotrich at Kiryat Shmona yeshiva

'Israel's security belt must move to Lebanon'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visits the Kiryat Shmona Hesder Yeshiva, which is operating, due to the war, in Moshav Nehalim in central Israel.

Cabinet Dispute:

Gallant demands compromise; Smotrich and Ben Gvir outraged

Ministers furious at Gallant's demand to relinquish control of Philadelphi Corridor, saying: 'If we give in to Hamas demands, we have lost the war.'

EU initiative to sanction Ben Gvir and Smotrich thwarted

Israel succeeds in thwarting the initiative of EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell to advance sanctions against Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich.

EU FM to seek sanctions against Smotrich and Ben Gvir

European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell plans to request that member states jointly impose sanctions on Smotrich and Ben Gvir, though such a resolution is unlikely to pass.

Funding haredi daycare is necessary for economic stability

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is committed to funding haredi daycare and he is right. Opinion.

US administration:

Smotrich is preventing a Palestinian state

In the past day, the US has focused on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Smotrich in Metula:

'Move the security belt to southern Lebanon'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a working meeting in Metula and sends a message to Hezbollah: Don't mess with us. Israel must go to war against Hezbollah.

Historic moment:

New town in Gush Etzion: Nahal Heletz

Civil Administration sets jurisdiction of new town in Gush Etzion. Smotrich: 'No anti-Israel or anti-Zionist decision will stop Jewish construction.'

Smotrich:

'Borrel sides with terror, willing to sacrifice people of Gaza'

Finance Minister responds to EU foreign policy chief's call for sanctions against him and Minister Ben-Gvir.

EU FM calls for sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell claims Ben Gvir and Smotrich are "inciting to war crimes", says sanctions against them must be on the EU agenda.

Smotrich hits back:

US would reject a deal surrendering to Al Qaeda and bin Laden

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to White House spokesman John Kirby's verbal attack, says he expects US to 'respect Israel's democracy, citizens, and politicians,' notes that hostage deal would 'abandon most hostages to death.'

Kirby rips Smotrich:

'His views would sacrifice the lives of the hostages'

White House National Security Council spokesperson blasts Finance Minister who said the hostage release and ceasefire deal proposed by the US would be an agreement of surrender to terrorism: He's dead wrong.

Abbas' spokesman:

'Smotrich's comments are a war crime'

Spokesman for PA chairman criticizes remarks of Finance Minister Smotrich regarding the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza, says the Israeli leadership must be punished.

Smotrich to Arutz Sheva:

'We'll eliminate Sinwar as well'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tells Arutz Sheva-Israel National News in an interview that the solution to the situation in the north will only be a war against Hezbollah and calls for continued pressure on Hamas.

After decades:

Palestinian Authority to finally pay 2b NIS electric bill?

Finance Ministry deducting part of Palestinian Authority's 2 billion NIS electricity debt from money transferred to Palestinian Authority; PA representatives agree to arrange payment plan for remainder.

For the fifth time:

100 million shekels seized from the Palestinian Authority

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich orders the seizure in accordance with court rulings in cases by families of terrorist victims.

Smotrich:

'I support the justified protest, but call to obey the law'

Finance Minister says he backs the protesters who protested against the arrest of eight soldiers, but asks: Do not break into the bases and do not confront our brethren - the soldiers and the police officers.

Smotrich:

'We will talk to Nasrallah with fire'

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich arrived at the scene of the rocket strike in Majdal Shams and met with the head of the council, Dolan Abu Salah: 'The massacre of the children of Majdal Shams is inconceivable.'

Smotrich on rocket strike: 'Nasrallah must pay with his head'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to attack on the Druze village of Majdal Shams, calls on Israel to eliminate Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.

Poll:

5 seats for Smotrich, 11 for Ben Gvir

New poll finds that a new right-wing party led by Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman and Gideon Sa'ar wins 28 seats.

Smotrich:

'The defense system is abandoning the hostages again'

Minister Smotrich reiterates his concern about the current deal: "The senior officials of the defense system fully admit that the discussed deal abandons most of the hostages."

Smotrich criticized officers:

'Stop talking and preaching, keep fighting and killing'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed today that IDF leadership is overly involved in politics and not enough in winning the war.

'Attack on Israel's sovereignty'

Smotrich responds to reports of US sanctions against him

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that US sanctions against him and fellow Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir would have severe consequences for Israel-US relations.

Report:

US weighing sanctions against two Israeli ministers

Three US officials say the Biden administration is weighing sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.