Finance Ministry

Gov’t approves Smotrich ally Israel Malachi as Finance Ministry director-general

He is a close associate of Smotrich, which led to criticism over the appointment. Malachi also had previously served as the treasurer of a council governing over 40 West Bank settlements.

Israel Malachi
Education Minister Yoav Kisch at the education system's arranging room at the Ministry of Education in Jerusalem, in preparation for the opening of schools in the country tomorrow morning, August 31, 2025.

Finance Ministry data gaps blocked High Court update on haredi funding, Education Ministry says

A panoramic view of the Mount of Olives

High Court orders state to explain failure to establish civil cemetery for Jerusalem residents

Incoming Director General of the Finance Ministry, Israel Malachi, who was appointed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich appoints Israel Malachi as new Director General of Finance Ministry


Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements amid war with Hamas, pressure for Palestinian state

Legal Affairs correspondent Sarah Ben-Nun explains the context of settlement approval, touching on expansion during the Israel-Hamas War, IDF operations in the West Bank, and more.

A general view of houses in the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the West Bank

Gov't approves establishment of 22 new West Bank settlements

The decision includes plans to renew settlement activity in northern Samaria and develop new communities along the Jordan Valley border.

 A map of 22 areas in the West Bank that were approved for new Israeli settlements, May 29, 2025.

Finance Ministry, Teachers Union reach agreement in wake of teacher strikes

In addition, the clause published in the May 4 draft proposal that would have halted rank promotions for four months has been removed.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Yaffa Ben-David, Secretary-general of the Teachers Union.

Court rules: Teachers who took sick leave as protest must return to work

Some tens of thousands of teachers have been on a “sick day” strike since the start of the week.

An empty classroom in a school in Givatayim amid the teachers' strike. May 6, 2025.

'It's about more than money': Uncertainty remains over end to teacher strike despite deal

Despite new understandings between the Finance Ministry and the Teachers’ Union, it remains unclear whether disruptions in the education system will soon come to an end. 

 View of exterior of an empty school amid teachers strike May 5th, 2025.

Gov't members to raise own salaries while teachers strike over budget cuts - report

Just one day earlier, Smotrich wrote a letter to teachers, assuring them that rumors of government members receiving a pay raise are false.

(L to R): Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

‘You are being incited with lies’: Smotrich denies Finance Ministry responsible for teacher pay cuts

Smotrich claimed there were necessary budget cuts across multiple sectors as a result of the war's growing cost.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at Knesset, February 10, 2025.

Education Ministry backs teachers' strike on budget cuts to salaries

Benny Gantz expressed his support for the teachers as well and criticized Netanyahu's conduct on the matter.

 ONE CHALLENGE: The ongoing classroom shortage. Pictured: At a Beit Hakerem school.

High Court cannot force government to retain Bar as Shin Bet head, says Smotrich

"The responsibility for Israel's security lies with the government, and therefore, the authority [to fire Bar] rests with it," Smotrich said.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, March 25, 2025

Knesset tensions rise as opposition seeks to block budget cuts

Israel’s 2025 budget faces opposition pushback over proposed spending cuts, potentially delaying its approval ahead of the March 31 deadline.

 The Finance Committee meets in the Knesset, June 2021