Bezalel Smotrich

What is IDF's view on pontential long-term occupation of southern Lebanon? - analysis

Is Israel prepared to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River on a long-term basis, or is its readiness to hold onto the area a temporary tactic to apply short-term pressure on Hezbollah?

An Israeli soldier sits on a military vehicle near the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, in northern Israel, March 24, 2026.
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.

Gov’t approves millions for border cities in North under Hezbollah fire

 Jewish yeshiva students study at the Kamenitz Yeshiva, in Jerusalem on September 9, 2024.

Willner signals disputed haredi school transfer may return to Finance Committee

Defense Minister Israel Katz gestures during joint statements to the press with Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens, Greece, January 20, 2026

Talk of annexation in Lebanon risks undermining Israel’s case against Hezbollah - editorial


Israel announces territorial seizure in Lebanon up to Litani River

At a meeting with the military chief of staff, Katz said Israeli forces would "control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani," a river that meets the Mediterranean.

Defense Minister Israel Katz at Jerusalem City Hall, December 15, 2025.

Smotrich calls for annexation of southern Lebanon as IDF strikes Lebanese bridges, homes

The comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were the most explicit yet by a senior Israeli official on seizing Lebanese territory in a fight Israel says targets Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Bezalel Smotrich speaks to the press on March 23, 2026.

Knesset Finance Committee approves Israel’s 2026 state budget ahead of final reading

The decision followed debates in the committee that went late into the night. The second and third readings are expected to take place in the Knesset plenum on Thursday.

Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky leads a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah, March 15, 2026.

Smotrich proposes new education guidelines: vacation now, study in the summer

Smotrich’s proposed calendar would have schools shift some of their summer vacation days to the month ahead, with the missed learning being made up over summer break. 

Zoom school, March 12: ‘For young children, parents, and university stu dents, people are juggling many roles.’

Gov’t must reimburse parents for closed daycare costs during war, Haskel tells ‘Post’ - interview

Haskel argues that the system is failing, with private daycare costing parents thousands of shekels a month, and even more for families with multiple young children.

Deputy Minister MK Sharren Haskel attends a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 2, 2025.

Knesset advances bill granting five-year tax exemption to olim, returning residents

Olim, along with returning residents who have lived abroad for at least ten years, will be eligible for the tax exemption.

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 23, 2026.

Daughter of National Missions Minister Orit Strock found dead, police investigate case

The circumstances surrounding Shoshana’s death remain unclear.  She was reportedly found dead in her home in northern Israel. Police have opened an investigation into the case.

National Missions Minister Orit Strock seen at a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025

As political pressure mounts, Netanyahu delays controversial haredi draft law - opinion

The Netanyahu coalition has delayed the haredi draft bill, revealing political strategy over genuine reform as elections near.

 Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025

Israel brief to ICJ rejecting genocide claims likely delayed by Iran war

The ICJ had given Israel several extensions over the last year to file the brief, with the most recent extension being until March 12.

 Judges arrive at the International Court of Justice at the start of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year, The Hague, Netherlands May 17, 2024.

Israel's political Right celebrates Sde Teiman case dismissal as rights groups condemn it

It is important to understand that the defendants were not exonerated, and the indictments were dropped on the basis of ‘Haganah min hatzedek’ - when one’s right to a fair trial has been violated.

 Demonstrates protest against the detention of Israeli reserve soldiers suspected of assaulting a Hamas terrorist, at the Sde Teiman military base near Beersheba, July 29, 2024.