Bezalel Smotrich

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.

Global sanctions against Israel ministers show dangerous hypocrisy - editorial

As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it, the sanctions “do nothing to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, bring the hostages home, or end the war.”

(L-R) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
 Jenin streets following IDF operations in the city, January 27, 2025.

End of cooperation with Israeli banks may harm Palestinian economy, Palestinians say

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

'Allies don't sanction allies': Finance Minister Smotrich unfazed by UK sanctions - interview

US President Donald Trump seen over an illustrative image of American-Iranian ties. (illustrative)

Knesset dispersal vote may be postponed, At least five killed in Hamas attack on GHF bus


Smotrich orders cancellation of waiver on cooperation with Palestinian banks

This move could effect the collapse of the PA.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, March 25, 2025

'A profound moral failure': Israeli officials react to British sanctions on Ben-Gvir, Smotrich

"Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not allow it to do so again," Smotrich stated.

 MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit political party and Chairman of the Religious Zionism party MK Bezalel Smotrich at an election campaign event in Sderot, October 26, 2022.

UK joins others in sanctioning Ben-Gvir, Smotrich over 'monstrous' Gaza comments

Britain will join Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others over quotes that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described as “monstrous.”

(L-R) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Smotrich 'completely opposed' to Israel arming Hamas opponents in Gaza

"I was not aware of this. I am completely opposed to arming an enemy, no matter which faction they belong to,” Smotrich said at a faction meeting.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks in the Knesset plenum, in Jerusalem, March 25, 2025

Israeli Finance Minister says banks should not obey EU sanctions on settlers

The Religious Zionist Party chair urged banks not to obey EU sanctions in the name of "a national moral injustice."

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Ben-Gvir calls for Gaza occupation after IDF recovery of bodies of hostages Weinstein, Haggai

Ben-Gvir and other politicians call for the return of hostages using any force necessary, as the people of Israel send hugs and condolences with broken hearts to the families of Judith and Gadi.

 National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir against backdrop of hostage posters of slain hostages Judith Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai. (illustration)

'A painful morning': Israeli leaders mourn the three soldiers killed in Jabalya

The three soldiers were killed in Jabalya when the Hummer vehicle they were riding on was damaged after it hit an explosive device.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Gaza aid trucks and IDF operations.

UK considering sanctions on Ben-Gvir, Smotrich amid Gaza war - NYT

British officials are reportedly waiting to assess whether Israel allows enough humanitarian assistance into Gaza before taking further steps in imposing the sanctions, the NYT said.

 An illustrative image of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements amid war with Hamas, pressure for Palestinian state

Legal Affairs correspondent Sarah Ben-Nun explains the context of settlement approval, touching on expansion during the Israel-Hamas War, IDF operations in the West Bank, and more.

A general view of houses in the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the West Bank

Gov't approves establishment of 22 new West Bank settlements

The decision includes plans to renew settlement activity in northern Samaria and develop new communities along the Jordan Valley border.

 A map of 22 areas in the West Bank that were approved for new Israeli settlements, May 29, 2025.

Smotrich: 'I will not allow signing a partial deal that gives Hamas oxygen and a lifeline'

Foreign Minister Sa'ar said that "if there is a chance to release hostages, it is appropriate to do so."

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen over posters of Israeli hostages in Gaza