Bezalel Smotrich

IDF Disabled Veterans Organization warns of 'national disaster' amid exclusion in defense budget

The warnings came amid debate in 2026 defense spending discussions, in which the Finance Ministry rejected the Defense Ministry's petitions to increase spending by NIS 40 billion.

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, Israeli soldiers and Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers seen during a march honoring IDF wounded and disabled IDF, in Tel Aviv, November 17, 2021.
Eli Sharabi, a former hostage, holds a photograph of himself during his release by Hamas as he the United Nations Security Council in New York City, US, March 20, 2025

Released Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi blasts Netanyahu's October 7 joke as 'disgrace'

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a press conference in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026; illustrative.

Netanyahu said ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza still on table, avoided ruling out settlements


Knesset advances bill granting five-year tax exemption to olim, returning residents

Olim, along with returning residents who have lived abroad for at least ten years, will be eligible for the tax exemption.

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 23, 2026.

Daughter of National Missions Minister Orit Strock found dead, police investigate case

The circumstances surrounding Shoshana’s death remain unclear.  She was reportedly found dead in her home in northern Israel. Police have opened an investigation into the case.

National Missions Minister Orit Strock seen at a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025

As political pressure mounts, Netanyahu delays controversial haredi draft law - opinion

The Netanyahu coalition has delayed the haredi draft bill, revealing political strategy over genuine reform as elections near.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025

Israel brief to ICJ rejecting genocide claims likely delayed by Iran war

The ICJ had given Israel several extensions over the last year to file the brief, with the most recent extension being until March 12.

 Judges arrive at the International Court of Justice at the start of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year, The Hague, Netherlands May 17, 2024.

Israel's political Right celebrates Sde Teiman case dismissal as rights groups condemn it

It is important to understand that the defendants were not exonerated, and the indictments were dropped on the basis of ‘Haganah min hatzedek’ - when one’s right to a fair trial has been violated.

 Demonstrates protest against the detention of Israeli reserve soldiers suspected of assaulting a Hamas terrorist, at the Sde Teiman military base near Beersheba, July 29, 2024.

Bank of Israel warns budget could worsen deficit, debt ratio

The cabinet decided to increase the defense budget for this year by NIS 32 billion and allocate an additional reserve of about NIS 13 billion for defense and civilian needs

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

Gov't approves new defense budget during war, NIS 5b. allocation to haredim, settlements

Coalition funds are part of the national budget and are determined during coalition negotiations after elections when forming a government.

Prime Minister Benjamin convenes a government cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, October 26, 2025.

Netanyahu, Smotrich to 'set aside' haredi draft law, approve billions in defense funding for war

“The costly campaign requires a special budget with the addition of tens of billions of shekels for the war effort,” Netanyahu said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R), Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Vigilant and united: Israel’s homefront resilience will decide outcome of Iran war - editorial

As Israel faces mounting attacks from Iran, the real challenge lies within: political infighting and internal divisions threaten to undermine the nation’s unity and resolve in a prolonged conflict.

People are seen at the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem despite the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah and missile fire toward Israel, March 9, 2026.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's son wounded on Lebanon border

He reportedly received only light wounds and is in stable condition.

Finance Minister and head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the 40-signatures debate at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on February 23, 2026.