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
'We need to clean the stables, reform law enforcement,' Smotrich demands after Sde Teiman case
The finance minister slammed Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, saying she "acted against our soldiers" and "collaborated in leaks with antisemitic blood libels."
Israel's leaders reignite the fight over faith, service, and statehood as early elections emerge
Smotrich, Liberman, Gantz, Lapid, and Golan laid out competing visions for Israel’s future as fiscal and political strains fuel talk of elections early next year.
Ohana: Knesset budget to be cut by NIS 125m. following two years of intense war with Hamas
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announces a NIS 125 million budget cut for 2025, with the funds directed to the treasury to support Israel's economy amid ongoing challenges.
Hostage forum demands meeting with Netanyahu after Hamas 'violations'
It is planned for Netanyahu to convene a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Israel's response to Hamas's violation of the ceasefire-hostage deal.
Smotrich claims Saudi Arabia denies Israeli tradition and heritage, doubling down on Riyadh row
During Monday's press conference, the finance minister hit out against Saudi Arabia once again, as well as Israelis who he said were "insulted" on the Saudis' behalf.
Camel criticism crisis: Smotrich's comments harm Israel, not Saudi Arabia - opinion
The comments are heard in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Washington, and they shape how Israel is perceived by its current and potential partners in building a more stable and prosperous regional order.
Liberman: Netanyahu shouted so loudly after Smotrich's camel remark they nearly called a doctor
Liberman said Netanyahu erupted at Smotrich over his camel remark, fearing it would harm efforts to reach a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia.
'He does not represent us': Israeli politicians slam Smotrich after Saudi insult
"To our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel," Opposition head Yair Lapid wrote in Arabic on X/Twitter.
Smotrich tells Saudis to 'keep riding camels' over Palestinian state, later apologizes
“If Saudi Arabia says normalization in exchange for a Palestinian state, friends, no thank you. Keep riding camels in the sands of the desert in Saudi Arabia," Smotrich said.
Netanyahu urged Smotrich to hold off on West Bank annexation during Vance’s visit - KAN
"When the vice president, Vance, is visiting here, you don’t stick a finger in his eye,” Netanyahu's office reportedly said in a message to Smotrich.
