Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right Israeli lawmaker and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, who currently serves as the country's finance minister as well as a minister in the Defense Ministry. In the past, Smotrich also served as transportation minister.
Smotrich is a highly divisive figure in Israeli politics, having been accused of racism, extremism, and homophobia. Smotrich has also gone on record saying that he is a "proud homophobe," staunch support for Israel's West Bank settlements, and rejects both the future existence of a Palestinian state as well as the existence of the Palestinian people.
Smotrich added to Channel 12, "We support them absolutely to manage the war and to win. That, but nothing more."
We all must be worthy of the soldiers who are deep in Gaza, risking their lives to defeat Hamas and bring our national family members back home.
In an unexpected development, Agriculture Minister Dichter threatened to not support the budget over cuts to agricultural research, leading to an announced delay.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed on Saturday evening that Ben David was his cousin, mourning his loss in an X post.
Israel raised a record $8 billion in bond sales amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, showcasing investor confidence despite recent economic challenges.
The committee is being formed as part of budget deliberations among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Smotrich.
The issuance of US bonds and the high demand total $38 billion. Smotrich: "A vote of confidence from investors in the Israeli economy."
The US administration wishes to drive a wedge between the government and Israeli society using Gantz, says Smotrich. Knesset discusses the issue of the haredi IDF draft on Monday.
Despite US pressure against reoccupying Gaza, Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel will maintain security over the densely populated enclave once the war ends.
The increase will not be mitigated by the usual subsidy on gas, which has been suspended in light of wartime budget cuts.