Bezalel Smotrich
Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right Israeli lawmaker and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, who currently serves as the country's finance minister as well as a minister in the Defense Ministry. In the past, Smotrich also served as transportation minister.
Smotrich is a highly divisive figure in Israeli politics, having been accused of racism, extremism, and homophobia. Smotrich has also gone on record saying that he is a "proud homophobe," staunch support for Israel's West Bank settlements, and rejects both the future existence of a Palestinian state as well as the existence of the Palestinian people.
Slovenia to ban Smotrich, Ben-Gvir for 'genocidal statements' against Palestinians
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced Slovenia will become the first European Union member state to ban the two ministers from entering the country.
Israel to boost defense spending by NIS 42 b. in light of multi-front wars
Netanyahu, Smotrich visit IDF haredi brigade, praises soldiers' willingness to serve
Chikli denounces Syria's Sharaa as 'barbaric terrorist murder who should be eliminated'
'Messianic’: A slur, or Jewish birthright? - opinion
Throwing the word “messianic” around reduces complex ideas to caricature and avoids the real questions those ideas raise.
Netanyahu shared top-secret Iran strike details with MK Gafni to prevent gov't collapse - NYT
According to the New York Times, Netanyahu revealed details of Operation Rising Lion with Gafni, who lacked security clearance, so that he would oppose a bill to bring about elections.
Netanyahu's Likud loses seats, Bennett, Smotrich gain seats in latest poll
According to the survey, Netanyahu’s coalition could retain 51 seats, while an opposition led by Bennett would hold strong with 59.
Katz: Continuing war in uncontrolled Gaza territory would unnecessarily endanger hostages
This contradicts statements from other ministers who called for a complete victory over Gaza and against a partial deal.
Soldiers in Gaza are being ‘sacrificed on the alter’ of maintaining coalition, Liberman says
Liberman argued that the only reason the war had not ended already was because if so, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have lost the support of the far-right, thus losing the coalition.
Misguided sanctions: Nations punish Smotrich, Ben-Gvir for protecting Israelis - opinion
Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have the audacity to believe that Israeli citizens deserve protection from violence, a principle one might assume would be universally accepted.
Netanyahu clashes with IDF chief over Gaza aid delivery as ceasefire talks resume
Smotrich responded to the leak from the meeting, while criticizing Netanyahu and the cabinet over their decision to move forward on Gaza aid.
Ben-Gvir calls on Netanyahu to withdraw from US-backed hostage deal proposal
Ben-Gvir stated that the true goal of the war is the collapse of Hamas, and that the deal proposed would distance Israel from its goal, as well as ‘rewarding terrorism.’
Israel's security elite want end of Gaza war in two-three weeks, sources tell 'Post' - analysis
While Israel may also get some improved terms in negotiations with Hamas, the most important elements here are: IDF Chief Eyal Zamir, Trump, and the 12-day Iran war.
Ben-Gvir rallies Smotrich to block Gaza ceasefire, opposition offers Netanyahu 'safety net'
Yair Lapid said the opposition would offer Netanyahu support to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal, should Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose.
Smotrich says he'll oppose ending Gaza war 'with all his heart'
"I can tell you with all my heart that it won’t happen. I’m talking to [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu about it, and I don’t get the impression that he’s on his way there," Smotrich said.
