Bezalel Smotrich
Gov’t approves Smotrich ally Israel Malachi as Finance Ministry director-general
He is a close associate of Smotrich, which led to criticism over the appointment. Malachi also had previously served as the treasurer of a council governing over 40 West Bank settlements.
Compensation to be given to employers of reserve soldiers, Knesset plenum decides
Netanyahu attacks Bennett, Lapid's joint party list announcement with inflammatory video
Bennett doubles down on mandatory haredi enlistment, blames current gov't for lack of IDF soldiers
Israeli farmers protest Smotrich's proposed dairy reform, warn of 400 farm closures
Hundreds of farmers blocked roads nationwide, warning that proposed dairy reforms would shutter farms, undermine food security, and create dangerous reliance on imports.
Political attacks on Supreme Court chief cross red line, over 100 retired judges, law deans warn
The warnings followed remarks made by Religious Zionist Party chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who referred to Amit as a 'violent, predatory megalomaniac who steals Israeli democracy.'
Rep. Randy Fine’s incendiary comments on Muslims alarm many Jews, backed by pro-Israel right
The Florida Republican ignited a new round of controversy with a series of remarks about Palestinians and “mainstream Muslims” that his critics say are not just provocative but amount to “genocidal.”
Supreme Court President responds to threats, vows judiciary will not be intimidated
Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit's letter follows comments issued by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in which the minister referred to Amit as a “violent, predatory megalomaniac."
Smotrich: Supreme Court chief is 'violent megalomaniac,' gov’t will 'trample' court
The judicial branch's spokesperson said Smotrich's attack on Yitzhak Amit does not amount to "legitimate public discourse," in response to the finance minister.
Netanyahu's proposal to open both ways of Rafah crossing is rejected by coalition members - N12
Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions would let Palestinians who left Gaza enter again, but had to withdraw after pressure from coalition members.
Smotrich threatens to double tax on Israeli banks if consumer benefits canceled
According to the Finance Ministry, the tax will bring in NIS 1.13 billion in 2026, rising to NIS 1.5 billion each year from 2027 to 2029.
Despite turbulent week, demand for commission of inquiry, bloc map remain stable - poll
Against the backdrop of the draft law, the establishment of a government commission of inquiry, and the interview by Eli Feldstein on the Qatargate affair, coalition parties maintain their strength.
PMO workers involved in Qatargate 'must sit behind bars,' Smotrich says
Smotrich charged that Qatar is a state sponsor of terror, adding that Doha must be condemned for its "responsibility for what happened on October 7."
Smotrich urges Netanyahu to return from US ‘with de-facto sovereignty’ for West Bank
He cited settlement construction and administrative work as part of recent advances, adding that without a cabinet decision to apply sovereignty, Israel risks missing a “historic opportunity.”
