Bezalel Smotrich

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.

  New Israeli Shekel banknotes and coins are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021.
 The High Court of Justice in Jerusalem

High Court proposes canceling Eliyahu’s Israel Land Authority appointment

Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter speaks during a signing ceremony hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (out of frame) at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026.

Lebanon deal focused on dismantling Hezbollah, not Israeli withdrawal, ambassador Leiter says

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz, Israeli soldiers and Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers seen during a march honoring IDF wounded and disabled IDF, in Tel Aviv, November 17, 2021.

IDF Disabled Veterans Organization warns of 'national disaster' amid exclusion in defense budget


Smotrich parade row exposes deep divide among American Jews - opinion

NYC Israel Day Parade controversy highlights growing tensions within global Jewish communities.

Israeli politicians, government ministers, public officials and supporters take part in the Israel Day Parade in New York City, May 31, 2026

Smotrich reportedly proposes attacking 20-30 buildings in Dahiyeh for every Iranian missile

Smotrich reportedly argued that hitting Hezbollah targets in Beirut would be a more efficient response than direct strikes on Iran.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, May 19, 2026.

Israel’s policy on the future of Gaza, West Bank - opinion

But what is Israel’s long-term policy in the Gaza Strip? There was short-lived enthusiasm both by Netanyahu and the rest of the government about Trump’s Middle East Riviera program in Feb 2025.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the State Comptroller elections at the plenum of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 3, 2026.

'A bloody wake-up call': Israeli politicians, officials condemn deadly terror shooting attack

One person was killed, and five others were wounded in the attack, which began at Kochav Yair and continued on past Tsur Yitshak, Tsur Natan, and Selait.

IDF soldiers operating at the site of the terror attack in the Sharon region, June 7, 2026.

Explaining Israel's elections: Ten scenarios Israelis should prepare for in 2026 - opinion

There could be five races again with no coalition formed, as we had before, and we might end up staying in election mode for quite some time.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, cast their vote during elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the Jerusalem International Convention Center, Nov.25, 2025.

Hardline right-wing MKs Ben-Gvir, Smotrich banned from travel to Ireland - report

Reports cited Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who told reporters that he had heard from Ireland's Justice Ministry that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich had been banned.

(L-R) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Netanyahu will bring Hezbollah agreement to Security Cabinet if one is agreed, PM tells ministers

Ben-Gvir, Eli Cohen, and other ministers called for harsher measures against Hezbollah, while Finance Minister Smotrich argued that a ceasefire under current conditions would be a major success.

The Israeli security cabinet meets to discuss the full military takeover of the Gaza Strip.

Knesset approves tax benefits for West Bank settlements amid opposition criticism

The Knesset approved a bill granting tax benefits to West Bank settlements, with Finance Minister Smotrich calling it recognition for residents living under a security threat.

Fiance Minsiter Bezalel Smotrich and members of the Religious Zionist Party as Knesset passes law for West Bank settlements to receive tax benefits.

Gov't greenlights NIS 13b. for shelters, infrastructure in Israel's North

Netanyahu issued a statement shortly after the approval, naming the proposal as his and Smotrich's product, although the prime minister was absent for much of the approval meeting on Tuesday evening.

Israeli security forces at the scene where a house was hit by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon in Metula near the Israeli-Lebanese border, May 25, 2026.

Smotrich’s surprise appearance at Israel Day Parade sparks backlash from NY and Jewish leaders

Smotrich’s surprise appearance at New York’s Israel Day Parade drew condemnation from city, state, and Jewish leaders, who said he was not invited to join the march.

Israeli politicians, government ministers, public officials and supporters take part in the Israel Day Parade in New York City, May 31, 2026