Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right Israeli lawmaker and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, who currently serves as the country's finance minister as well as a minister in the Defense Ministry. In the past, Smotrich also served as transportation minister.
Smotrich is a highly divisive figure in Israeli politics, having been accused of racism, extremism, and homophobia. Smotrich has also gone on record saying that he is a "proud homophobe," staunch support for Israel's West Bank settlements, and rejects both the future existence of a Palestinian state as well as the existence of the Palestinian people.
"It is inconceivable that the concern for the PA and terror funds that it pays to families of terrorists will be more important than the citizens of Israel," Smotrich wrote.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Hamas hostage deal was a ploy to stop the invasion of Rafah, and he would leave the government if the invasion gets canceled.
Sunday's march followed a similar protest led by the Valor Forum Saturday night, following Saturday's reports that Hamas will likely accept a hostage deal in the coming days.
Finance Minister Smotrich urges Prime Minister Netanyahu to remove Turkey from ceasefire talks, citing Erdogan's antisemitism and threats to Israel's security.
The former president said that two-state solution will be 'very very tough,' but did not reject it.
Far-right ministers in Israel press Prime Minister Netanyahu for a Rafah invasion. Smotrich convenes Knesset meeting; Ben-Gvir meets Netanyahu amid hostage deal negotiations.
Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich threatened to withdraw from the government if the PM agrees to a deal rather than a Rafah op. Minister Gantz suggested he could withdraw if the government chose Rafah.
Israel's former ambassador to South Africa writes: The choice between apartheid and the end of the Jewish majority is fast approaching.
The British government asked for the visits to be held as part of a procedure designed to determine whether there was justification for imposing an arms embargo on Israel.
A News 13 poll indicates National Unity Party led by Benny Gantz wins 30 seats if elections held today. Likud strengthens slightly; Yesh Atid receives 15 seats.
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