Bezalel Smotrich

Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli far-right politician and lawyer who has served as the Minister of Finance since 2022. The leader of the National Religious Party–Religious Zionism, he previously served as a Knesset member for Yamina.
bezalel-smotrich

Some of the key events about Bezalel Smotrich

  • 1995
    Graduated from high school with honors
  • 2002
    Completed military service in the Israel Defense Forces
  • 2006
    Organized a protest march against the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade
  • 2009
    Graduated with a law degree from Ono Academic College
  • 2013
    Co-founded the Sovereignty Movement advocating for Israeli control over the West Bank
  • 2015
    Elected to the Knesset as a member of The Jewish Home party
  • 2015
    Referred to Arab lawmakers as "terrorists" during a Knesset debate
  • 2016
    Supported segregation of Jewish and Arab women in maternity wards
  • 2018
    Appointed as Deputy Speaker of the Knesset
  • 2019
    Became leader of the National Union party
  • 2019
    Called for Israel to be governed by Jewish religious law
  • 2020
    Compared LGBTQ+ people to dogs in a radio interview
  • 2021
    Appointed as Minister of Transportation in the Bennett-Lapid government
  • 2021
    Suggested that Arab Israelis who are not loyal to Israel should be expelled
  • 2022
    Elected leader of the Religious Zionist Party
  • 2022
    Appointed as Minister of Finance in Netanyahu's government
  • 2022
    Advocated for the cancellation of the crime of fraud and breach of trust for public officials
  • 2022
    Proposed legislation to allow businesses to refuse service based on religious beliefs
  • 2023
    Called for the Palestinian village of Huwara to be "wiped out"
  • 2023
    Denied the existence of a Palestinian people, calling it an "invention"

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Bezalel Smotrich Latest news

Trump sets January deadline for Gaza hostages, promising unprecedented action

Trump sets January deadline for Gaza hostages, promising unprecedented action

Former US president gives strict timeline for hostage release before his planned White House return. His statement gets mixed reactions from Israeli officials and Gaza residents

Society, Politics • December 4 2024 , 12:32 AM  •  936 views
Israeli leaders make moves in Washington while seeking future political backing

Israeli leaders make moves in Washington while seeking future political backing

Israeli officials meet with current US administration and ex-presidents team in Washington to discuss ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile major developments unfold in New Zealand China and North Korea

Society, Politics • November 13 2024 , 12:53 AM  •  1149 views
Israeli officials play both sides in Washington as global events unfold

Israeli officials play both sides in Washington as global events unfold

Israeli ministers meet with current US administration while keeping ties with Trumpʼs team. Meanwhile major developments shake up New Zealand‚ China and North Korea-Russia relations

Society, Politics • November 13 2024 , 12:12 AM  •  1350 views
Former Arkansas leader gets top diplomatic role in Middle East shake-up

Former Arkansas leader gets top diplomatic role in Middle East shake-up

Trump picks long-time ally for key diplomatic position in Israel during complex regional situation. The selection comes as Israeli officials discuss future territorial changes in West Bank

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 10:44 PM  •  2882 views
Israeli minister's bold West Bank plans surface after Trump's unexpected win

Israeli minister's bold West Bank plans surface after Trump's unexpected win

Israeli finance minister makes strong statement about West Bank control following Trumpʼs election success. His words point to significant policy changes in Palestinian territories

Society, Politics • November 11 2024 , 10:00 PM  •  4627 views