Bezalel Smotrich

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

The warnings came amid debate in 2026 defense spending discussions, in which the Finance Ministry rejected the Defense Ministry's petitions to increase spending by NIS 40 billion.

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.
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

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holding a press conference in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026; illustrative.

Netanyahu said ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza still on table, avoided ruling out settlements


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.

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.