Bezalel Smotrich

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

The ambassador also rejected a report that he had raised his voice at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation about the Lebanon agreement.

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.
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

Eli Sharabi, a former hostage, holds a photograph of himself during his release by Hamas as he the United Nations Security Council in New York City, US, March 20, 2025

Released Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi blasts Netanyahu's October 7 joke as 'disgrace'

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says


'A missile for every drone': Israeli ministers call to intensify attacks on Hezbollah in Dahiyeh

"I call on him to implement it with determination and force and to demolish buildings in Dahiyeh today as well," said Smotrich. "We promised security to the residents of the north."

A man in a wheelchair passes by as emergency personnel work at the site of an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, June 7, 2026.

Palestinian shot after allegedly threatening farmer in West Bank settlement - report

According to the farm's owners, the Palestinian trespassed onto their property and attempted to attack the resident when the farmer approached him to investigate the situation. 

A shepherd leads a herd of goats near the Palestinian village of al-Auja in the Jordan Valley, West Bank, January 11, 2026.

Grapevine, June 12, 2026: Israel is losing brownie points

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

MAOZ INON

Netanyahu vows to restore security in northern Israel as gov't approves NIS 4 b. to help North

The decision comes as leaders of northern local authorities have sharply criticized the government for failing to provide adequate support and aid to residents amid the ongoing security threat.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs at government meeting in Nof Hagalil approving a plan to develop North, Thursday June 11, 2026.

Israel set to approve funding plan for 61 West Bank settlements - report

Axios's Barak Ravid reported on X/Twitter that the proposal is scheduled to be brought before the cabinet for approval. Additional details about the plan were not immediately available.

View of the settlement of Sa-Nur in the West Bank, April 19, 2026.

Ministerial committee approves Torah Study bill amid coalition tensions

Netanyahu’s coalition advances the Torah Study law, despite opposition and warnings that the bill could worsen draft evasion amid Israel’s manpower shortage.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023.

Ben-Gvir proposes arresting family members of Hezbollah terrorists

The National Security Minister called for Knesset members to "think outside the box about Hezbollah," arguing that arresting women and youth would hurt Hezbollah members the most.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and committee head MK Zvika Fogel attend a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on March 24, 2026.

Some 140 UK Labour MPs urge government to ban trade with West Bank settlements

The letter noted that countries such as Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium have either already implemented bans or are in the process of doing so.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the UN Security Council, New York, February 18, 2026; illustrative.

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.