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
'On the way to sovereignty': MKs react to preliminary passing of bill to annex Ma'aleh Adumim
The Knesset passed a preliminary vote to apply Israeli sovereignty in Ma’aleh Adumim, prompting praise from right-wing MKs and criticism from Washington, which warned it could threaten the Gaza deal.
Gov't considers subsidizing flights between Israel and Argentina
Israel’s Finance Ministry plans to invite airlines to bid on launching a direct route to Argentina, exploring whether government support could make the long-haul flight economically viable.
Coalition rises as Religious Zionist Party crosses threshold following hostage deal - poll
The coalition’s rise is surprising, as last week’s poll showed Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s parties falling sharply due to their opposition to the Trump Peace Plan.
Ben-Gvir to Netanyahu: Give Hamas an ultimatum if it continues to delay hostage return
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented, "Only military pressure brings back hostages."
Israel-Hamas ceasefire now in effect, Justice Ministry publishes list of terrorists to be released
Merz says Germany to give 29 million euros in Gaza humanitarian aid • US to establish coordination center on Gaza in Israel • IDF announces name of fallen soldier
Likud Minister Miki Zohar: Hostage deal to pass despite Ben-Gvir, Smotrich - exclusive
Zohar expressed his full support for Donald Trump's hostage-ceasefire deal ahead of Israel's security cabinet vote.
Ceasefire takes effect after Israeli gov't votes to approve Gaza deal
Ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Strock voted against the deal.
Opposition heads unite to discuss toppling Netanyahu gov’t, backing Trump peace plan
Multiple party heads offered to provide a political safety net to ensure the peace deal passes.
Yair Lapid offers safety net for PM Benjamin Netanyahu to implement Trump's Gaza deal
Lapid's offer of a safety net thereby allows for the deal to still be implemented regardless of opposition from right-wing ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.
'Full of traps': Hezbollah slams Trump's peace plan despite support for upcoming negotiations
Despite this, Hezbollah expressed its support and praised Hamas’s decision to participate in the ceasefire negotiations that will be taking place on Monday.
