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.

Highway 465's expansion was approved.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men block a road during a protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order on Road 4 near Bnei Brak, July 16, 2026.

Tax Authority will immediately stop war damage claims until Bnei Brak mayor condemns mob attacks

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich, Israel Ganz, Head of Binyamin Regional Council and Orit Strock, National Mission Minister at a faction meeting in the Jewish settlement of Givat Harel, in the West Bank, February 14, 2023.

Israeli gov't gives Jordan Valley farmers drones, rangers to deter 'Palestinian terror state'

Naftali Bennett

'Desecrating religious Zionism': Bennett slams Smotrich as true architect of draft evasion law


Argentinian president Milei lands in Israel, set to meet with Netanyahu, announce new El Al flight

Argentina’s foreign minister, who is accompanying Milei, is also expected to meet Sa’ar for separate talks focused on counterterrorism cooperation and technological collaboration.

Argentinian President Javier Milei at Western Wall, April 19, 2026.

Smotrich appoints Israel Malachi as new Director General of Finance Ministry

Israel Malachi, who served as the ministry’s Deputy Director General for the past three and a half years, will take over from outgoing Director General Ilan Rom.

Incoming Director General of the Finance Ministry, Israel Malachi, who was appointed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Finance Ministry’s relief loan to Israel’s small, medium businesses: How does it work? - explainer

The ministry announced a relief fund for small businesses with up to NIS 25 million in annual turnover, and additional help to medium businesses.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset plenum ahead of the 2026 state budget vote, March 30, 2026.

World leaders and Israeli officials mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with calls to fight antisemitism

Some Israeli public figures did not make standalone Holocaust Remembrance Day statements, choosing instead to respond to current events in light of the solemn day. 

People view the exhibits at Yad Vashem on April 13, 2026.

Smotrich: 'Establishing settlements destroys idea of Palestinian state in our heartland'

Smotrich's comments came at a ceremony celebrating the establishment of a new settlement, called Maoz Tzur, in the Binyamin region of the West Bank.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset, March 23, 2026; illustrative.

As US and Iran talk truce, Israel digs in for a 'forever war' - analysis

Israel's creation of "buffer zones" in Gaza, Syria, and now Lebanon reflects a strategic shift after the attacks of October 7, 2023, one that puts the country in a semi-permanent state of war.

IDF FORCES in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s population struggles with depression amid ongoing conflict, crises - opinion

Ongoing war, political tension, and societal strain cause many Israelis to feel growing despair and uncertainty about the future of Israel.

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.

Education Minister slams 'extremist, deranged criminals' for trying to enter his home during siren

In the video, one of the individuals can be heard shouting at the gate that they are a teacher, before blaming Kisch for the Iranian attack, and that "these missiles are your fault! Protect me!"

Education minister Yoav Kisch attends Education, Culture, and Sports Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on May 12, 2025.

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?

IDF vehicles patrol near the border between Israel and Lebanon as seen from Misgav Am in northern Israel, August 27, 2019.

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

The move is intended to “strengthen resilience and support community relief efforts, reflecting a clear policy: the enemy evacuates, while Israel’s residents remain strong in their homes."

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.