Bezalel Smotrich

Gov't approves new defense budget during war, NIS 5b. allocation to haredim, settlements

Coalition funds are part of the national budget and are determined during coalition negotiations after elections when forming a government.

Prime Minister Benjamin convenes a government cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, October 26, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R), Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Netanyahu, Smotrich to 'set aside' haredi draft law, approve billions in defense funding for war

People are seen at the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem despite the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah and missile fire toward Israel, March 9, 2026.

Vigilant and united: Israel’s homefront resilience will decide outcome of Iran war - editorial

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.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's son wounded on Lebanon border


'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return

Leaders across Israel paid tribute as the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili were brought home, closing the chapter of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Itzik Gvili, father of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, places his hands on the coffin containing his son's remains, January 26, 2026.

Israel approves $1.9B aid package for reserve soldiers

The reservists, said Netanyahu, “are on the front lines, and we stand with them and will continue to support them.”

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024

Israel’s debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 68.6% in 2025 due to war, rebuilding expenses - Finance Min.

"The upward trend in the debt-to-GDP ratio stems from the security spending required following the war," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich attend a discussion and a vote on the state budget at the assembly hall of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 7, 2024.

Not just 'anyone but Bibi': Israel is in election mode, but where is the ideology? - editorial

Israel's political parties should run campaigns focused on offering real ideas and alternatives. That is how political movements grow and how politics regain substance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 19, 2026.

As Israel pushes back, Gaza becomes testing ground for emerging post-war governance - analysis

The emergence of a Palestinian technocratic governing committee alongside Trump’s US-backed Board of Peace has triggered sharp Israeli backlash, exposing cabinet rifts and deep unease.

Palestinians stand near the rubble in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 17, 2026

Gadi Eisenkot: Netanyahu ceded Gaza security, IDF must return to fighting

“Two years and a quarter after the start of the war, the military achievements were not translated into a diplomatic outcome,” Eisenkot said.

 MK Gadi Eisenkot attends a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting on the ultra-Orthodox draft law at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on June 24, 2024.

Government submits 2026 budget to Knesset, Smotrich vows passage despite rifts

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the government was "determined to pass it [the state budget] on first reading,” during a press conference at the Knesset on Monday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Smotrich: Thank you Trump for the help, but now Israel needs to control Gaza

Smotrich thanked Trump for his support for Israel and efforts to assist in returning hostages, but said the US president’s Gaza plan should be canceled.

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

Knesset to pass increased benefits for orphans of IDF soldiers, Katz announces

First, the new law will give recognition to children of soldiers as "orphans" for certain rights as long as the parent died before the age of 30.

Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during an IDF swearing-in ceremony for the new Military Advocate-General Itai Offir, November 27, 2025

'Chutzpan': Netanyahu removes Smotrich, Amsalem from cabinet meeting after shouting match

The clash intensified when Smotrich said, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering?" and Amsalem replied, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.”

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