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.
Standing...
Stories...
Jul 26, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich is promoting de facto annexation through settlement expansion and discriminatory land policies.
Hadash views Smotrich's actions as a direct assault on international law and any possibility of a two-state solution.
Jul 25, 2026
Center
The Finance Minister demanded the IDF reinstate a reservist filmed urging soldiers to vote for him, claiming selective enforcement; the soldier was dismissed.
Criticized by Yesh Atid for politicizing the military and encouraging partisan behavior in uniform, undermining the IDF's non-political ethos.
Jul 25, 2026
Lean Left
The finance minister and far-right Religious Zionism leader authorized the retroactive legalization of nine settlement outposts, drawing international condemnation.
Seen as the architect of de facto annexation, pushing Israel toward apartheid and damaging its global standing, which Labor/Meretz fiercely opposes.
Jul 25, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich announces new settlement expansion and legalization of outposts, bypassing international opposition.
Hadash considers Smotrich a leading architect of the occupation, deliberately destroying any chance for peace.
Jul 23, 2026
Far Right
Supported by a reservist who was subsequently dismissed from IDF service for posting a video in uniform.
A hero to Religious Zionism for his right-wing policies and advocacy for settlement expansion; the dismissal of a supporter is seen as political persecution.
Jul 23, 2026
Center
His policies of settlement expansion and home demolitions in Area C are highlighted in the report on forced displacement of Palestinian villages.
Yesh Atid sees him as a reckless far-right figure who prioritizes annexation over security and international legitimacy.
Jul 23, 2026
Lean Left
Pushes for accelerated settlement expansion in the West Bank despite U.S. objections.
Left condemns his de facto annexation agenda, which undermines any possibility of a two-state solution.
Jul 23, 2026
Far Left
Finance Minister Smotrich announced the legalization of dozens of settlement outposts and new construction deep in the West Bank.
Hadash sees this as a direct violation of international law and a step toward de facto annexation that destroys hopes for a Palestinian state.
Jul 23, 2026
Center
Smotrich formalized the settlement management body under the Defense Ministry, cementing far-right control over the West Bank ahead of elections.
Yesh Atid sees Smotrich as an annexationist undermining peace prospects and entrenching occupation for political gain.
Jul 22, 2026
Lean Left
Finance Minister and settlement advocate advancing annexation budgets and policies.
Labor/Meretz view Smotrich as a major driver of illegal settlement and de facto annexation, threatening two-state solution.