Bezalel Smotrich
Smotrich urges Netanyahu to return from US ‘with de-facto sovereignty’ for West Bank
He cited settlement construction and administrative work as part of recent advances, adding that without a cabinet decision to apply sovereignty, Israel risks missing a “historic opportunity.”
'Smotrich is taking us hostage': Small-business owners protest new VAT, customs exemptions
Palestinian trash burning is a national security threat, ministers Katz, Smotrich declare
Israel grants legal status to 19 West Bank settlements, including two vacated in 2005 disengagement
Sa'ar announces forum with worldwide Jewish leaders to address growing antisemitism
Leaders from Jewish communities and organizations worldwide will participate in the J-50 Forum, to be held in Jerusalem from December 21 to 24.
'Writing was on the wall': Israeli politicians condemn Bondi Beach mass shooting
"Our hearts are with the community, and we stand with them," Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said at the event honoring lone soldiers at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
Likud returns to support levels from before October 7, RZP fails to pass threshold, poll finds
Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, slid under the threshold with 2.8% support, as public divisions over the IDF draft framework and the state budget grew.
Smotrich approves hundreds of housing units in multiple West Bank settlements
The units will be spread out between Hashmonaim, just over the Green Line in central Israel, and Givat Zeev and Beitar Illit near Jerusalem.
Knesset FADC extends emergency draft for 280,000 IDF reservists until January 1
FADC Chairman Boaz Bismuth said he pushed to approve the extension after Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was necessary for the country's national security.
What did the gov’t approve for Israel’s 2026 state budget? - explainer
The 2026 budget passed its first test, yet the battles over defense, taxes, and reforms expose a government more focused on managing crises than shaping policy.
Smotrich, Sa'ar approve NIS 2.35 billion in hasbara budget for campaigns, influencers in 2026
The budget will be used for campaigns to raise awareness and promote Israel worldwide, with NIS 1 billion already authorized by the government.
Religious Zionist Party crosses threshold with four seats as coalition bloc climbs to 53 - poll
The poll shows the coalition bloc rising to 53 seats, up four from the previous survey, driven by Religious Zionism’s gains. The opposition bloc gained 57 seats.
Israel approves 2026 state budget incl. NIS 112 b. designated for defense spending
Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."
Saudi Arabia sends $90 million to rescue Palestinian Authority from financial collapse
The PA’s financial collapse has become a broader diplomatic issue. France, Norway, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have launched efforts to rally outside donors.
Netanyahu's pardon request a 'direct attempt to bypass courts,' scholars warn
Legal experts argue that using presidential clemency before a verdict would overturn long-standing norms that reserve pardons for those who have accepted responsibility.
