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.
"We are more determined than ever to complete the task and destroy Hamas," Said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Purim Shpiel: The following is a satirical article from The Jerusalem Post's annual parodic Purim page, The Jerusalem Roast. Enjoy!
The IDF knew about leaks to Smotrich during the war, but then-Chief of Staff Halevi failed to act, fearing political fallout, according to a report by KAN News.
MK Simcha Rothman made similar comments in a debate in the Knesset Constitution Committee on Monday morning.
The five-year plan will have a budget of 3.9 billion shekels and will include an additional budget of 2.6 billion shekels.
In response to the sharp rise in security prisoners, NIS 1.9 billion will be allocated to the Israel Prison Service for the construction of new detention facilities.
Smotrich said he had thanked Bessent during the meeting for lifting sanctions on settlers in the West Bank.
"This is a critical time to shape a new strategic economic future for both countries," the Treasury Department said in a statement.
“She has become a full-fledged political player who systematically works against the government with the transparent goal of bringing it down," Sa'ar wrote.
Coalition funds are a part of the national budget aimed at enabling the implementation of political agreements.
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