Bezalel Smotrich

Hamas sees demilitarization talks as strategy to 'trap Israel,' Zini warns security cabinet

Speaking during a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Zini said Hamas believes it should have pursued the demilitarization agreement with the Board of Peace in order to "trap Israel."

Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.
Standing Together Activists protest inside of the Religious Zionist Paty's headquarters on August 5, 2026.

'Arabs want to live': Left-wing protesters attempt to breach Religious Zionist party headquarters

People visit Herodion National Park at the site in the West Bank, on January 9, 2023.

‘Zionist act of highest order’: Smotrich allocates NIS 113m. to develop West Bank heritage sites

Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party head Bezalel Smotrich at the primary count, Jerusalem, July 26, 2026.

Smotrich demands revote on Gaza reconstruction plan that he backed


Released Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi blasts Netanyahu's October 7 joke as 'disgrace'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joked in a Channel 14 interview that one of the things that had changed for him since October 7 was that he had “lost a little weight.”

Eli Sharabi, a former hostage, holds a photograph of himself during his release by Hamas as he the United Nations Security Council in New York City, US, March 20, 2025

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

An overlong war led to huge unnecessary losses in fallen soldiers and the death of up to 40 hostages, former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon said.

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Netanyahu said ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza still on table, avoided ruling out settlements

“The question is whether you prefer to do or to talk,” said Netanyahu regarding the renewal of Jewish settlements in Gaza. “And yes, I prefer not to address it.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a press conference in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026; illustrative.

Smotrich says plans for northern Gaza settlements await Netanyahu's approval

The finance minister’s statements calling for West Bank and Gaza annexation often draw sharp international condemnation, as well as criticism for harming Israel’s global standing.

FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference ahead of the vote on the state budget at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026.

Israel launches NIS 1.6b. package to support exporters, hi-tech

Finance officials said the plan offers immediate relief, but warned companies must also improve efficiency and adapt to the stronger shekel.

View of the Nvidia Corporation offices at the Yokneam High-Tech Park, September 8, 2024.

Smotrich launches NIS 1.6 billion aid plan for high-tech and exporters

The Ministry of Finance will inject NIS 1 billion to save startups from closing, and will distribute hundreds of millions more to industrial plants.

The Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich

"The Treasury took hundreds of billions from National Insurance surpluses"

Former National Insurance director general, Meir Spiegler, in an unprecedented attack on the Ministry of Finance: "Hundreds of billions in collection surpluses have disappeared."

Meir Spiegler

Smotrich cancels visit to Kibbutz Be'eri following opposition by hostages' families, residents

During an interview for Nadav Perry's podcast on Sunday, Smotrich claimed a critical role in how the war played out and in bringing back the hostages from Gaza.

Bezalel Smotrich.

Compensation of millions of shekels for protection racket victims

The government approved the Finance Minister's proposal to provide an economic safety net for victims of protection fees amounting to tens of millions of shekels.

A gasoline bottle hung at the entrance to a factory in Hatzor Haglilit

'You don't protect me': Former hostage's father shouts at Smotrich mid-speech

Speaking with Gideon Oko and Amichai Atali on 103FM radio, Miran criticized Smotrich over his conduct during the two years in which Israelis were held in Gaza.

RELEASED ISRAELI hostage Omri Miran, with his father Dani, October 28, 2025.