Bezalel Smotrich

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
An off duty Israeli soldier seen walking with a weapon on Jaffa street in Jerusalem on September 26, 2025.

Compensation to be given to employers of reserve soldiers, Knesset plenum decides

 (L-R) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid.

Netanyahu attacks Bennett, Lapid's joint party list announcement with inflammatory video

Naftali Bennett at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit Tel Aviv overnight, causing heavy damage, March 1, 2026.

Bennett doubles down on mandatory haredi enlistment, blames current gov't for lack of IDF soldiers


Smotrich: US supports Israeli West Bank settlement expansion - interview

In past efforts by Israel to expand control in the West Bank, the US has called for maintaining stability in the area, adding that US President Donald Trump has not backed total annexation.

FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference ahead of the vote on the state budget at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026.

Dismantling government investments in Israeli Arab society - opinion

“Investing in employment, in education, in infrastructure in Arab society is not a left or right, conservative or liberal issue.”

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog is seen meeting with Arab women at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on June 25, 2023.

Israeli officials attend Sa-nur settlement reestablishment ceremony

Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, who was among the residents evacuated from Sa-Nur in 2005, was among the 16 families who took up residence anew in the settlement on Sunday.

View of the settlement of Sa-Nur in the West Bank, April 19, 2026.

Argentinian president Milei lands in Israel, set to meet with Netanyahu, announce new El Al flight

Argentina’s foreign minister, who is accompanying Milei, is also expected to meet Sa’ar for separate talks focused on counterterrorism cooperation and technological collaboration.

Argentinian President Javier Milei at Western Wall, April 19, 2026.

Smotrich appoints Israel Malachi as new Director General of Finance Ministry

Israel Malachi, who served as the ministry’s Deputy Director General for the past three and a half years, will take over from outgoing Director General Ilan Rom.

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

Finance Ministry’s relief loan to Israel’s small, medium businesses: How does it work? - explainer

The ministry announced a relief fund for small businesses with up to NIS 25 million in annual turnover, and additional help to medium businesses.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset plenum ahead of the 2026 state budget vote, March 30, 2026.

World leaders and Israeli officials mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with calls to fight antisemitism

Some Israeli public figures did not make standalone Holocaust Remembrance Day statements, choosing instead to respond to current events in light of the solemn day. 

People view the exhibits at Yad Vashem on April 13, 2026.

Smotrich: 'Establishing settlements destroys idea of Palestinian state in our heartland'

Smotrich's comments came at a ceremony celebrating the establishment of a new settlement, called Maoz Tzur, in the Binyamin region of the West Bank.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset, March 23, 2026; illustrative.

As US and Iran talk truce, Israel digs in for a 'forever war' - analysis

Israel's creation of "buffer zones" in Gaza, Syria, and now Lebanon reflects a strategic shift after the attacks of October 7, 2023, one that puts the country in a semi-permanent state of war.

IDF FORCES in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s population struggles with depression amid ongoing conflict, crises - opinion

Ongoing war, political tension, and societal strain cause many Israelis to feel growing despair and uncertainty about the future of Israel.

Israeli security and rescue forces at the scene where a missile fired from Lebanon toward Israel caused damage in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, March 23, 2026.