Bezalel Smotrich

Winter privately met with Netanyahu despite pledging independent run, N12 reports

According to the report, Netanyahu offered Winter a reserved slot on the Likud list for the upcoming election, alongside additional reserved positions on the party’s slate, which Winter rejected.

Ofer Winter speaks during his party announcement event on August 25, 2026.
 A plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on March 19, 2025.

Winter, Smotrich cross electoral threshold at expense of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, Kan poll shows

Ben-Gvir pushes for Netanyahu to intensify fighting in Lebanon, Knesset, Jerusalem, May 25, 2026.

Ben-Gvir blasts Netanyahu over reported Smotrich-Feiglin merger talks, unity appeal

(L-R): National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen in the Knesset plenum, December 29, 2022

Smotrich enters joint ticket talks with former Likud MK Feiglin as Likud slams Ben-Gvir


Tax Authority will immediately stop war damage claims until Bnei Brak mayor condemns mob attacks

According to the letter, Tax Authority employees were violently assaulted by a mob numbering in the hundreds on the afternoon of July 16 while carrying out enforcement activities in the city.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men block a road during a protest against the jailing of seminary students who failed to comply with an army recruitment order on Road 4 near Bnei Brak, July 16, 2026.

Israeli gov't gives Jordan Valley farmers drones, rangers to deter 'Palestinian terror state'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock both attended the ceremony at which the equipment was presented to support farms and outposts in the West Bank.

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich, Israel Ganz, Head of Binyamin Regional Council and Orit Strock, National Mission Minister at a faction meeting in the Jewish settlement of Givat Harel, in the West Bank, February 14, 2023.

'Desecrating religious Zionism': Bennett slams Smotrich as true architect of draft evasion law

"I want to address the soldiers and tell them: Hold on tight, there are still 104 days of plunder and evasion, the reinforcements are on the way, and this terrible government is going," he said.

Naftali Bennett

Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer pulls out of 2026 election

In his resignation statement, Sofer thanked his supporters and stated that he will continue to serve in his position until the end of his term.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony commemorating fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery in Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026.

High Court cancels Land Authority head's appointment due to connection to Smotrich

The ruling came after all parties, including the government and Eliyahu, accepted a framework proposed by Justices Yael Willner, Ofer Grosskopf, and Khaled Kabub during a hearing earlier this month.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.

Israel unveils NIS 1.3 million budget for 34 new West Bank settlements in 'historic' move

The new plan will bring the total number of West Bank settlements established under the current government to 103.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock hold a map of the West Bank as they celebrate the Knesset Security Cabinet approval of their NIS1.3M budget to build 34 new settlements throughout the territory.

IDF Disabled Veterans Organization against Finance Ministry

Organization chairman in sharp call to finance minister: "Stand behind your signature." Finance Ministry officials: "Structural failures harm rehabilitation of combat soldiers."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

Speaker Amir Ohana reduces Knesset budget by NIS 50 mil. to support Israel's economy

Knesset Speaker Ohana said he had informed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of his budget-reduction initiative and that the funds are expected to be deposited in the treasury.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana speaks during a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Smotrich deserves 'at least 15 seats' for West Bank actions, former justice minister claims

Ramon made the comments on the Gatekeeper podcast with journalist Nissim Sofer during a discussion about the political system and the electoral landscape.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.

Israel to approve West Bank settlement road budget worth over NIS 1 billion

The plan will include the construction of new roads and improvements to existing ones, the ministry stated, adding that any new settlements approved in the future will be included in the plan.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.