Finance Ministry

Petitioners urge High Court to unfreeze urgent funding for authorities in Israel's North, South

The request, filed by Hiddush and Democrats MK Naama Lazimi, marks the latest turn in a dispute over hundreds of millions of shekels approved by the Finance Committee during the election recess.

The nine-member panel at the High Court of Justice looks on as the hearing opens in Jerusalem.
High Court Justice; illustrative.

High Court lifts freeze on NIS 78m. Religious Services funding, keeps broader freeze in place

Supreme Court Justice David Mintz on May 25, 2026.

High Court weighs petition against NIS 460m. coalition fund transfers during election recess

An IAF F-35 participates in Operation Roaring Lion, March 5, 2026.

IDF warns fighter jet, munitions deals delayed by budget dispute with Finance Ministry


The state of the Israeli economy - opinion

One major difficulty when evaluating Israel’s current economic situation is the lack of concrete data about the government’s operational plans regarding the war in Gaza.

FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich addresses a news conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem earlier this month. That Smotrich is not an economist, and is quite ignorant of current economic theory and practice, is no secret, says the writer.

Gov't approves proposal for mass increase in budget to Defense Ministry

The decision came with major opposition from ministers who were strongly against the government’s move. 

Education minister Yoav Kisch attends Education, Culture, and Sports Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on May 12, 2025.

Finance Minister Smotrich rejects compensating Israelis stranded outside Israel during Iran war

Finance Committee opposed the decision and called on Netanyahu to readdress the issue.

  Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a Plenum session of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, also attended by Argentine President Javier Milei (not pictured), in Jerusalem, June 11, 2025.

IDF backtracks after widespread texts for reservists to reimburse gov't vacation vouchers

The military’s retraction letter followed reports of text messages sent nationwide on Tuesday, informing reservists using government vouchers to return the money.

IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, August 2, 2025.

From Tel Aviv to Haifa in 30 minutes: Israel Railways to launch high-speed line by 2029

According to the Transportation Ministry, trains on the new line will be capable of speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour.

View of the Israel Railways train near the southern Israeli city of Sderot, July 21, 2025.

Israel to boost defense spending by NIS 42 b. in light of multi-front wars

The Director-General of the ministry, Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram said that this move would allow the ministry to replenish consumed stocks of weapons and ammunition. 

 An Israeli APC manoeuvres next to other military vehicles on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, July 16, 2025.

Gov't launches project to rebuild homes destroyed by Iranian missiles

The project will consolidate costs for home renovations across an apartment complex, aiming to reduce the overall cost to residents and the state.

 A Tel Aviv Apartment destroyed by an Iranian missile, June 16, 2025.

Government, labor associations announce compensation for businesses amid Iran war

The plan had previously applied to specific areas impacted by the Israel-Hamas war.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (center) with Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David (right of center), Presidency of Business Organizations chair Dubi Amitai (left of center), and others announcing compensation for businesses, June 23, 2025.

Almost 15,000 homes damaged by Iranian attacks, thousands evacuated

Some 24 buildings were identified as needing to be demolished following damage from Iranian strikes, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said.  

 Israeli security and rescue forces at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage in Petah Tikva, June 16, 2025

Israel's economy must function amid Iran attacks, chairman of umbrella business org says

 “The Israeli economy has been operating for nearly two years in a state of war and has gained significant experience in handling emergency situations."

 A road in Tel Aviv, June 14, 2025.