Bezalel Smotrich
Netanyahu’s coalition topples Smotrich’s order to double tax import rate, opposition celebrates
The order was rejected by a wide margin, with 59 MKs against and 25 in favor.
Mosque set on fire near Nablus, Australian teen attacked
Business owners protest at Knesset as Smotrich raises Israel's import tax exemption
Netanyahu's political opposition must present clear policies - opinion
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
Protesters also warned of the economic implications of the move for local commerce, employment, and business stability in Israel, saying that the move “will be remembered in infamy."
Palestinian trash burning is a national security threat, ministers Katz, Smotrich declare
Reportedly, the Palestinians lack sufficient local landfills, and the arrangement is supposed to involve them using trucks to transport their trash to other locations.
Israel grants legal status to 19 West Bank settlements, including two vacated in 2005 disengagement
The move follows government approval on Wednesday for the construction of 764 housing units across three settlements in the West Bank.
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.
