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.
The Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, fell below the electoral threshold with just 2.6% support.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: budget for war and reservists • Yair Lapid: Middle class is tired of being exploited
The Knesset will debate the state budget overnight as haredi draft demands add tension; final votes are set for Tuesday after months of political maneuvering.
Retired Supreme Court president Aharon Barak fears that Israel is headed toward civil war.
"We continue to lead a revolution of normalization and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologizing – we raise the flag, build and settle," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
"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.
JPOST Digital Library
