Bezalel Smotrich
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.
Netanyahu, Israeli leaders slam Macron for recognizing Palestinian state
Israeli leaders issued strong condemnations following Macron's announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state, warning that the move rewards terrorism and undermines Israel's security.
'All of Gaza will be Jewish': Heritage minister claims Israel working to resettle Gaza
Smotrich: IDF chief told me Israel must annex northern Gaza for 'security purposes'
Fact check: Netanyahu, Smotrich's claim of $1b. Biden aid to judicial reform foes debunked
Will the Knesset recess open a window for a deal? Netanyahu’s political breathing room - analysis
The Knesset's upcoming recess will potentially give PM Benjamin Netanyahu time to broker a hostage deal and figure out a solution to the issue of the haredi draft law.
There is nothing in the news that is new - opinion
I desperately hope that by the time this is published, it will all be out of date – that, happily, will be something new.
Smotrich worse than secular Jews, haredi MK Gafni says
"Without Torah students, we have no existence as a Jewish people. Without Torah students, the State of Israel cannot continue," Gafni commented, referring to the haredi draft law.
Slovenia to ban Smotrich, Ben-Gvir for 'genocidal statements' against Palestinians
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced Slovenia will become the first European Union member state to ban the two ministers from entering the country.
Israel to boost defense spending by NIS 42 b. in light of multi-front wars
The Director-General of the ministry, Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram said that this move would allow the ministry to replenish consumed stocks of weapons and ammunition.
Netanyahu, Smotrich visit IDF haredi brigade, praises soldiers' willingness to serve
Netanyahu, Smotrich, and senior defense officials, met with soldiers and commanders at the training facility and received a briefing on the brigade's operations.
Chikli denounces Syria's Sharaa as 'barbaric terrorist murder who should be eliminated'
"We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamo-Nazi terror regime of al-Qaeda operatives in suits," Chikli stated.
'Messianic’: A slur, or Jewish birthright? - opinion
Throwing the word “messianic” around reduces complex ideas to caricature and avoids the real questions those ideas raise.
Netanyahu shared top-secret Iran strike details with MK Gafni to prevent gov't collapse - NYT
According to the New York Times, Netanyahu revealed details of Operation Rising Lion with Gafni, who lacked security clearance, so that he would oppose a bill to bring about elections.
Netanyahu's Likud loses seats, Bennett, Smotrich gain seats in latest poll
According to the survey, Netanyahu’s coalition could retain 51 seats, while an opposition led by Bennett would hold strong with 59.
Katz: Continuing war in uncontrolled Gaza territory would unnecessarily endanger hostages
This contradicts statements from other ministers who called for a complete victory over Gaza and against a partial deal.
