Bezalel Smotrich
Outcome of state budget vote uncertain amid coalition crisis over haredi draft
By law, if the state budget is not approved in all three readings by the end of March, when the fiscal year closes, the Knesset will automatically dissolve, and elections will be called.
2026 budget reading puts government at risk, after months of ideological sparring - analysis
'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return
Israel approves $1.9B aid package for reserve soldiers
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.”
'Smotrich is taking us hostage': Small-business owners protest new VAT, customs exemptions
Protesters also warned of the economic implications of the move for local commerce, employment, and business stability in Israel, saying that the move “will be remembered in infamy."
Palestinian trash burning is a national security threat, ministers Katz, Smotrich declare
Reportedly, the Palestinians lack sufficient local landfills, and the arrangement is supposed to involve them using trucks to transport their trash to other locations.
