Bezalel Smotrich
Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli politician and lawyer who has served as the Minister of Finance since 2022. The leader of the Religious Zionist Party, he previously served as a Knesset member for the Jewish Home and Yamina, leaving in 2023 after resigning under the Norwegian Law, allowing him to remain a minister in the government while his seat in the Knesset could be taken by another candidate from his party.
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Stories...
Jul 6, 2026
Lean Left
Smotrich announced plans for thousands of new settlement units in the West Bank, defying US warnings.
Labor/Meretz condemn this as a direct obstacle to a two-state solution and a violation of international law, fueling conflict.
Jul 6, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich transfers authority to legalize outposts and seizes Palestinian land for settlers.
Hadash sees his annexationist agenda as a direct assault on international law and peace.
Jul 6, 2026
Far Left
Finance Minister Smotrich announces new plans to legalize outposts in the West Bank, defying U.S. and EU opposition.
Hadash criticizes Smotrich for annexationist policies that violate international law and destroy the possibility of a two-state solution.
Jul 4, 2026
Lean Left
Pushing to annex large parts of the West Bank de facto via budget allocations and land seizure approvals.
His overt annexationist agenda is seen as the clearest current danger to peace and international standing.
Jul 4, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich announced plans to legalize five new wildcat outposts in the West Bank.
Hadash criticizes him for accelerating land theft and undermining any chance for a two-state solution.
Jul 3, 2026
Lean Left
Finance Minister Smotrich advanced settlement budget allocations and made controversial statements about Palestinian autonomy.
Viewed as an extremist pushing annexation and discrimination, damaging Israel's international standing.
Jul 3, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich as Finance Minister diverted funds to West Bank settlements and cut budgets for Arab local councils.
Hadash sees Smotrich's budgeting as a direct attack on Arab communities and a step toward formal annexation.
Jul 3, 2026
Lean Left
Smotrich announces new settlement approvals and advances plans to apply Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.
Labor views his policies as a direct blow to peace prospects and a violation of international law.
Jul 3, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich announces new settlement expansions and advances annexation of West Bank territories.
Hadash sees Smotrich as an extremist driving irreversible occupation and violating international law.
Jul 2, 2026
Center
Smotrich called for renewed settlement in Gaza and took credit for hostage returns, despite his past opposition to deals, as noted by Nitzan Alon.
Yesh Atid sees Smotrich as an extremist ideologue whose settlement push and distortion of history endanger security and block pragmatic hostage negotiations.