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.

Finance Minister and head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the 40-signatures debate at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on February 23, 2026.
A Palestinian man, holding Misbaha prayer beads, inspects the debris at a mosque, which Palestinians say was damaged by Israeli settlers, in West Bank village of Surra, near Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, February 23, 2026.

Mosque set on fire near Nablus, Australian teen attacked

Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.

Business owners protest at Knesset as Smotrich raises Israel's import tax exemption

Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu's political opposition must present clear policies - opinion


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.

Gideon Sa'ar

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.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen after a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem on December 4, 2025.

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."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

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.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman waves as he departs following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 18, 2025.

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of his testimony in the trial against him, October 28, 2025.

'It will not happen': Regev opposes potential public transport price hikes - KAN News

“It will not happen under any circumstances, even if a budget is not passed,” Regev’s office said, insisting she will block any additional burden on riders without parallel service improvements.

 Buses in central Jerusalem, February 12, 2025

Smotrich calls for IDF chief's dismissal over feud, argues Trump 'would have fired him in a call'

Smotrich argues that in a democracy, the IDF chief must adhere to "basic codes" and cannot publicly attack elected officials, citing the US as an example of firm accountability.

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

Security cabinet to establish team to implement second phase of Trump's Gaza plan

Members of the team will reportedly include National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, according to Israeli media.

Two residents walk past twisted metal and destroyed buildings in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, on November 18, 2025.

Knesset approves new tax benefits for IDF combat reservists

The bill, which passed 26–0 with no abstentions, will award up to four credit points, scaled to reserve duty performed in the prior tax year.

 IDF soldiers operate, eliminate Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist in Gaza, April 21, 2025.

The truth of Oct. 7 cannot be whitewashed, and we cannot afford to let them try - editorial

Israel’s government faces fierce criticism after moving to create its own Oct 7 inquiry panel, raising concerns it aims to sidestep true accountability.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu is flanked by fellow Likud members, Defense Minister Israel Katz (right) and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, in the Knesset.