Smotrich

An ambulance driver was charged with espionage for Iran, allegedly sending photos of top officials during a hospital visit and documenting a former defense minister's neighborhood. The individual is accused of spying on Herzog and Smotrich.

Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, stated he considered quitting after Oct. 7 but found no wrongdoing in his actions. He reiterated past claims that opposing Israeli territorial withdrawals contributed to the Hamas-led massacre in 2023.

Settlements Minister Strock secured the second position in the Religious Zionism primary, following Smotrich. Voting was restricted to the party’s central committee rather than full membership, with Tzvika Mor, a father of a hostage, obtaining the third spot among two candidates chosen by Smotrich.

Israel's Smotrich signed a waiver allowing transactions with Palestinian banks until 2026, but Israeli financial institutions remain cautious about providing services critical to the West Bank economy. The move aims to address a Palestinian banking crisis linked to Israeli policies.

Minister strengthens powerful Settlements Administration inside Defense Ministry to entrench expansion he oversaw, though a new government could still overturn the policy shift.

The military has closed an area around Gaza ahead of a settler march backed by Likud, with Ben Gvir, Smotrich, and other MKs expected to participate in a Nachala-led demonstration advocating for Jewish settlement in the Strip. The IDF stated it will prevent any illegal attempts to enter Gaza during the event.

The government allocated $431 million last month for 34 new West Bank settlements, with Ministers Smotrich and Strock calling it a 'day of celebration.' The plan is described as 'killing' the possibility of a Palestinian state.

Survivors and families of hostages criticize the government for not taking responsibility for the Oct. 7 massacre, demanding a state commission of inquiry and condemning Netanyahu and Smotrich for out-of-touch comments.

Nitzan Alon disputes Smotrich's claims about hostage negotiations, stating more captives could have survived if the cabinet had accepted earlier deals. Alon argues the war could have ended at least a year earlier but was prolonged by the cabinet's refusal to pursue comprehensive agreements in favor of 'total victory,' which he calls a falsehood.

Israeli Finance minister Smotrich has proposed plans to establish three Israeli settlements in Gaza, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to approve the move, which he claims will enhance security.

Smotrich claims credit for hostages' return despite opposing prior deals that could have released them sooner. A former captive criticizes his remarks as 'gaslighting propaganda'.

Netanyahu's refusal to control extremist ministers like Ben Gvir and Smotrich is causing allies to lose patience, risking Israel's global isolation due to incendiary rhetoric. The prime minister's inaction threatens to dismantle the nation's international standing.

Israeli Minister Smotrich stated the IDF will remain in Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms and even afterward, with the Prime Minister's agreement. Iranian and American teams are in Switzerland for talks.

Slovenia has lifted its ban on arms trade with Israel and removed entry restrictions on Israeli politicians Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, and Smotrich. The new government also ended the ban on settlement products, aiming to 'restore conditions for normal political dialogue.'

Ireland has banned ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir over their anti-Palestinian remarks and flotilla actions. The Irish PM stated their comments could be interpreted as pushing for the 'elimination of Palestinians from Palestine,' justifying EU-level sanctions.

Ireland has imposed a travel ban on Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Irish Taoiseach Martin stated the ministers have shown 'a desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine'.

The Knesset passed a law granting tax benefits to dozens of West Bank settlements. The law is claimed by Smotrich to prevent a Palestinian state, while the opposition accuses the finance minister of diverting funds to a voter base ahead of elections and neglecting the north.

Israel’s finance minister Smotrich announced a plan to build 2,162 homes in the occupied West Bank, stating the project will strengthen Israel's hold on the land.

Smotrich instructs the Finance Ministry to establish a task force to assist tech firms amid a shekel surge causing mass layoffs. Government officials confirm they will not directly intervene to stabilize the currency but aim to mitigate damage.

Over 2,100 West Bank settlement housing units are advancing in the planning process. Israeli official Smotrich stated the construction solidifies Israel's hold on the territory, while Palestinian leader Abbas urged the US to stop the 'madness'.

The Knesset revoked an order by Smotrich expanding the personal import tax exemption to $130. The Finance minister criticized the move for 'hurting the pockets of Israeli citizens,' while Likud party members opposed it, arguing it harms local industry.

Funds for communities in northern Israel affected by Hezbollah attacks are delayed, with local leaders and opposition accusing the government of neglect. Meanwhile, a bill providing tax breaks for West Bank settlements advances, led by Smotrich.

Zvika Mor, father of former hostage Eitan Mor, is joining Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party. He previously opposed hostage deals with Hamas and supported the state comptroller's investigation into October 7 over a state commission of inquiry.

Israel's Finance Minister Smotrich is facing a potential arrest warrant from the ICC due to threats of displacing Palestinians from the West Bank. The ICC warrant request has sparked concerns over Israel's actions in the region. Smotrich's comments have been met with criticism and outrage.

Israeli far-right minister Smotrich is targeted by the ICC for war crimes in Gaza, along with other Israeli officials such as Netanyahu and Gallant. This makes Smotrich the third Israeli official to be targeted by the ICC. The ICC is seeking his arrest.