Bezalel Smotrich
Smotrich announces expansion of West Bank's Highway 465, pushes for new level of 'safety, security'
"The doubling of this important road will create a completely different level of safety, security, and quality of life," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in a statement announcing the project.
Tax Authority will immediately stop war damage claims until Bnei Brak mayor condemns mob attacks
Israeli gov't gives Jordan Valley farmers drones, rangers to deter 'Palestinian terror state'
'Desecrating religious Zionism': Bennett slams Smotrich as true architect of draft evasion law
Bank of Israel lowers interest rate to 3.5% in response to strong shekel, halt in war with Iran
The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee, headed by Amir Yaron, announced that the national interest rate will be lowered once again to 3.5% as inflation declines and the shekel remains strong.
High Court proposes canceling Eliyahu’s Israel Land Authority appointment
Justices Yael Willner, Ofer Grosskopf, and Khaled Kabub gave the state, Eliyahu, and the petitioners 48 hours to respond to the proposal.
Lebanon deal focused on dismantling Hezbollah, not Israeli withdrawal, ambassador Leiter says
The ambassador also rejected a report that he had raised his voice at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation about the Lebanon agreement.
IDF Disabled Veterans Organization warns of 'national disaster' amid exclusion in defense budget
The warnings came amid debate in 2026 defense spending discussions, in which the Finance Ministry rejected the Defense Ministry's petitions to increase spending by NIS 40 billion.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
