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.
Audience members at Yisrael Hayom conference shout at Finance Minister about how can he "sleep at night" with 133 hostages still being held in Gaza.
On Monday, far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich denounced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to reduce IDF presence in Gaza.
Smotrich's criticism was directed at Baharav-Miara refusal last week to support a government decision on haredi draft exemption.
Against the ongoing controversies surrounding it, hundreds of activists have arrived today in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Labor Party MK Merav Michaeli also condemned Netanyahu's approach to the war on X for having neither political nor military goals for the war.
In a recent election poll, Gantz weakens slightly but remains stable, as voters continue to see him as a viable option for prime minister over Netanyahu.
The new initiative is meant to alleviate financial and emotional burdens so soldiers on the front lines don't have to worry about their lives back home.
"A great deal of Torah and fear of God is possible, along with responsibility, carrying a burden, and military service. We will do it together, and we are determined to do it."
Purim Shpiel: The following is a satirical article from The Jerusalem Post's annual parodic Purim page, The Jerusalem Roast. Enjoy!
"The European Union firmly condemns the announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that over 800 hectares of land in the occupied Palestinian territory."
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