Bezalel Smotrich

Knesset FADC extends emergency draft for 280,000 IDF reservists until January 1

FADC Chairman Boaz Bismuth said he pushed to approve the extension after Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was necessary for the country's national security.

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

What did the gov’t approve for Israel’s 2026 state budget? - explainer

Gideon Sa'ar

Smotrich, Sa'ar approve NIS 2.35 billion in hasbara budget for campaigns, influencers in 2026

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen after a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem on December 4, 2025.

Religious Zionist Party crosses threshold with four seats as coalition bloc climbs to 53 - poll


Israel approves 2026 state budget incl. NIS 112 b. designated for defense spending

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

Saudi Arabia sends $90 million to rescue Palestinian Authority from financial collapse

The PA’s financial collapse has become a broader diplomatic issue. France, Norway, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have launched efforts to rally outside donors.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman waves as he departs following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 18, 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon request a 'direct attempt to bypass courts,' scholars warn

Legal experts argue that using presidential clemency before a verdict would overturn long-standing norms that reserve pardons for those who have accepted responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of his testimony in the trial against him, October 28, 2025.

'It will not happen': Regev opposes potential public transport price hikes - KAN News

“It will not happen under any circumstances, even if a budget is not passed,” Regev’s office said, insisting she will block any additional burden on riders without parallel service improvements.

 Buses in central Jerusalem, February 12, 2025

Smotrich calls for IDF chief's dismissal over feud, argues Trump 'would have fired him in a call'

Smotrich argues that in a democracy, the IDF chief must adhere to "basic codes" and cannot publicly attack elected officials, citing the US as an example of firm accountability.

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

Security cabinet to establish team to implement second phase of Trump's Gaza plan

Members of the team will reportedly include National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, according to Israeli media.

Two residents walk past twisted metal and destroyed buildings in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, on November 18, 2025.

Knesset approves new tax benefits for IDF combat reservists

The bill, which passed 26–0 with no abstentions, will award up to four credit points, scaled to reserve duty performed in the prior tax year.

 IDF soldiers operate, eliminate Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist in Gaza, April 21, 2025.

The truth of Oct. 7 cannot be whitewashed, and we cannot afford to let them try - editorial

Israel’s government faces fierce criticism after moving to create its own Oct 7 inquiry panel, raising concerns it aims to sidestep true accountability.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu is flanked by fellow Likud members, Defense Minister Israel Katz (right) and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, in the Knesset.

Activists, MKs criticize ministers chosen for c'ttee to decide October 7 probe mandate

Opposition MKs and activists slam the government’s committee to investigate the October 7 massacre, accusing the government of whitewashing. The October Council demands a state commission of inquiry.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin speaks at a ceremony for murdered Gaza hostage Thai national Sonthaya Oakkharasri before his remains were flown back to Thailand, October 22, 2025.

UN Security Council to vote Monday on Gaza Strip multinational force

A clause that sparked controversy is the one in the draft resolution outlining a “pathway to a Palestinian state.”

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote against a resolution by Russia and China to delay by six months the reimposition of sanctions on Iran during the 80th U.N. General Assembly in New York City, US, September 26, 2025.

Israel pushing for Saudi peace deal, but MBS puts Trump and America first - analysis

The real question is not only whether Israel wants normalization with Saudi Arabia - but how far Trump is willing to press both sides to achieve it.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak as they arrive during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Leaders’ Summit at The Ritz-Carlton on May 14, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.