Bezalel Smotrich
Bezalel Smotrich is the far-right Israeli Finance Minister known for supporting settlement policies in the West Bank.
Notable Quotes
"we are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice."View Story →
"I call on him to implement it decisively and firmly, and to bring down buildings in Dahiyeh."View Story →
"The government was 'burying the idea of a Palestinian state'."View Story →
"The southern suburbs will become like Khan Younis."View Story →
"the strikes would make the Beirut suburb look like [Gaza’s] Khan Younis"View Story →
"You wanted to bring hell on us, we are bringing hell on you."View Story →
"the idea of a Palestinian state was 'being erased'."View Story →
Related Stories
Israel opens up bids for highly-sensitive West Bank settlement project
Israeli plans to build on the area east of Jerusalem - which would divide the occupied West Bank in two - have long been internationally condemned.
August 19, 2026Israel attacks Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs - Reuters
Israel attacks Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs Reuters
June 14, 2026Israel sends West Bank settlement funding plan to security cabinet - Reuters
Israel sends West Bank settlement funding plan to security cabinet Reuters
June 11, 2026UK and allies sanction 'networks' enabling settler violence in West Bank
France will also bar far-right Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry as part of the measures, which Israel condemns as "disgraceful".
June 9, 2026Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
The violence began after 18-year-old settler Yehuda Sherman was killed after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike.
March 22, 2026EU and UK demand Israel stop surge in West Bank settler violence since Iran war
Six Palestinians have been killed during attacks by settlers in the West Bank since the start of Israel's war, the UN says.
March 11, 2026Beirut evacuees 'sleeping in tents and cars'
Some residents in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh have left their homes amid ongoing air strikes by Israel.
March 6, 2026Israeli evacuation order for Beirut's southern suburbs sparks panic
Huge traffic jams form after the unprecedented warning for people to leave the Hezbollah stronghold, as Israel steps up its strikes across Lebanon.
March 5, 2026Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran
European nations say they want to work better together but have differing priorities
March 3, 2026Palestinian Authority in dire straits as Israel's hold on West Bank deepens
More than 30 years after its creation, there are increasing warnings that the PA is close to collapse.
February 21, 2026