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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Jul 13, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich promotes de facto annexation by approving illegal outposts and withholding funds from Palestinian Authority.
Condemned as an architect of ethnic cleansing who uses budget control to strangle Palestinian communities.
Jul 12, 2026
Lean Left
Smotrich announced plans to legalize five unauthorized West Bank outposts and approve thousands of new settlement homes.
Seen as directly undermining any chance for peace and deliberately provoking escalation with Palestinians.
Jul 12, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich announced new settlement outposts in the West Bank, bypassing the defense ministry's authority.
Hadash criticizes Smotrich for pushing annexation and undermining any chance for a two-state solution.
Jul 11, 2026
Lean Left
Finance Minister Smotrich is pushing to divert funds to West Bank settlements and block humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Smotrich represents the far-right agenda that Labor/Meretz see as undermining any chance for peace and deepening the occupation.
Jul 11, 2026
Far Left
Smotrich announces new settlement homes deep in the West Bank.
Hadash opposes Smotrich's annexationist plans, which destroy the two-state solution.
Jul 11, 2026
Far Left
Finance Minister pushing budget cuts to social services and expanding settlements.
Hadash condemns his annexationist agenda and policies that deepen inequality and occupation.
Jul 11, 2026
Far Right
Finance Minister Smotrich is a key driver of the infrastructure funding for Judea and Samaria settlements, a core Religious Zionism goal
Smotrich is celebrated by Religious Zionists for his relentless push to expand and secure settlements, though some worry about opposition from within the coalition.
Jul 11, 2026
Lean Left
Smotrich advances legislation to apply Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements, defying international warnings.
Labor/Meretz sees his annexation drive as a direct threat to international law and the democratic character of Israel.
Jul 10, 2026
Lean Left
Finance Minister Smotrich pushes for settlement expansion and transfer of West Bank planning authority to civilians.
Criticized for annexationist policies that threaten two-state solution and Israel's democratic character.
Jul 10, 2026
Far Right
Finance Minister, championed the 1 billion NIS settlement road plan.
He is the key political leader driving settlement expansion, a core Religious Zionism value and policy goal.