Bezalel Smotrich

Smotrich deserves 'at least 15 seats' for West Bank actions, former justice minister claims

Ramon made the comments on the Gatekeeper podcast with journalist Nissim Sofer during a discussion about the political system and the electoral landscape.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel to approve West Bank settlement road budget worth over NIS 1 billion

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, May 19, 2026.

Likud weighs reserving slot for Smotrich as RZP risks falling below electoral threshold

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.

Israel 'will return to the whole of Gaza,' should 'erase' Oslo Accords, Smotrich says


Interest rate drama: The news for mortgage takers – and Smotrich's unusual attack on the governor

The finance minister harshly attacked the "minimal" interest rate reduction, in his words, to 3.5%, and revealed that he pressured for an aggressive cut.

Prof. Amir Yaron, Governor of the Bank of Israel

Bank of Israel lowers interest rate to 3.5% in response to strong shekel, halt in war with Iran

The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee, headed by Amir Yaron, announced that the national interest rate will be lowered once again to 3.5% as inflation declines and the shekel remains strong.

  New Israeli Shekel banknotes and coins are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021.

High Court proposes canceling Eliyahu’s Israel Land Authority appointment

Justices Yael Willner, Ofer Grosskopf, and Khaled Kabub gave the state, Eliyahu, and the petitioners 48 hours to respond to the proposal.

 The High Court of Justice in Jerusalem

Lebanon deal focused on dismantling Hezbollah, not Israeli withdrawal, ambassador Leiter says

The ambassador also rejected a report that he had raised his voice at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation about the Lebanon agreement.

Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter speaks during a signing ceremony hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (out of frame) at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026.

IDF Disabled Veterans Organization warns of 'national disaster' amid exclusion in defense budget

The warnings came amid debate in 2026 defense spending discussions, in which the Finance Ministry rejected the Defense Ministry's petitions to increase spending by NIS 40 billion.

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, Israeli soldiers and Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers seen during a march honoring IDF wounded and disabled IDF, in Tel Aviv, November 17, 2021.

Released Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi blasts Netanyahu's October 7 joke as 'disgrace'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joked in a Channel 14 interview that one of the things that had changed for him since October 7 was that he had “lost a little weight.”

Eli Sharabi, a former hostage, holds a photograph of himself during his release by Hamas as he the United Nations Security Council in New York City, US, March 20, 2025

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

An overlong war led to huge unnecessary losses in fallen soldiers and the death of up to 40 hostages, former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon said.

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Netanyahu said ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza still on table, avoided ruling out settlements

“The question is whether you prefer to do or to talk,” said Netanyahu regarding the renewal of Jewish settlements in Gaza. “And yes, I prefer not to address it.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a press conference in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026; illustrative.

Smotrich says plans for northern Gaza settlements await Netanyahu's approval

The finance minister’s statements calling for West Bank and Gaza annexation often draw sharp international condemnation, as well as criticism for harming Israel’s global standing.

FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference ahead of the vote on the state budget at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026.

Israel launches NIS 1.6b. package to support exporters, hi-tech

Finance officials said the plan offers immediate relief, but warned companies must also improve efficiency and adapt to the stronger shekel.

View of the Nvidia Corporation offices at the Yokneam High-Tech Park, September 8, 2024.