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
Israel grants legal status to 19 West Bank settlements, including two vacated in 2005 disengagement
The move follows government approval on Wednesday for the construction of 764 housing units across three settlements in the West Bank.
Sa'ar announces forum with worldwide Jewish leaders to address growing antisemitism
Leaders from Jewish communities and organizations worldwide will participate in the J-50 Forum, to be held in Jerusalem from December 21 to 24.
'Writing was on the wall': Israeli politicians condemn Bondi Beach mass shooting
"Our hearts are with the community, and we stand with them," Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said at the event honoring lone soldiers at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
Likud returns to support levels from before October 7, RZP fails to pass threshold, poll finds
Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, slid under the threshold with 2.8% support, as public divisions over the IDF draft framework and the state budget grew.
Smotrich approves hundreds of housing units in multiple West Bank settlements
The units will be spread out between Hashmonaim, just over the Green Line in central Israel, and Givat Zeev and Beitar Illit near Jerusalem.
Knesset FADC extends emergency draft for 280,000 IDF reservists until January 1
FADC Chairman Boaz Bismuth said he pushed to approve the extension after Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was necessary for the country's national security.
What did the gov’t approve for Israel’s 2026 state budget? - explainer
The 2026 budget passed its first test, yet the battles over defense, taxes, and reforms expose a government more focused on managing crises than shaping policy.
Smotrich, Sa'ar approve NIS 2.35 billion in hasbara budget for campaigns, influencers in 2026
The budget will be used for campaigns to raise awareness and promote Israel worldwide, with NIS 1 billion already authorized by the government.
Religious Zionist Party crosses threshold with four seats as coalition bloc climbs to 53 - poll
The poll shows the coalition bloc rising to 53 seats, up four from the previous survey, driven by Religious Zionism’s gains. The opposition bloc gained 57 seats.
Israel approves 2026 state budget incl. NIS 112 b. designated for defense spending
Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."
