Bezalel Smotrich
Bezalel Smotrich is Israel's Finance Minister and leader of the Religious Zionism party. A central figure in the right-wing coalition, he holds significant authority over civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria and is known for his staunch nationalist and security-first positions.
Bezalel Smotrich serves as Israel's Finance Minister and leads the Religious Zionism party (HaTzionut HaDatit). Since the 2022 elections, he has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the governing coalition, holding a unique ministerial role within the Defense Ministry that grants him unprecedented civilian authority over Jewish communities and administrative matters in Judea and Samaria. His political platform is defined by a commitment to Israeli sovereignty, the expansion of settlements, and a robust military response to terror threats.
In mid-2026, Smotrich significantly advanced his policy of strengthening the Jewish presence in the heartland. In July 2026, the security cabinet declassified a strategic decision to establish 34 new settlements across Judea and Samaria, a move Smotrich backed with a NIS 2.3 billion budgetary allocation for infrastructure and "pioneer neighborhoods." This followed his June 2026 declaration of 465 dunams as state land for the expansion of Giv'ot HaRo'eh in the Binyamin region. He has also utilized his authority to exact a "price on the ground" for terrorism, directing the Civil Administration to demolish large illegal structures in northern Samaria following attacks.
Beyond territorial matters, Smotrich has overseen historic infrastructure projects, including a NIS 1 billion road plan for Judea and Samaria and the first-ever massive renovation and roofing of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, achieved by transferring planning powers from the local municipality. Domestically, he has identified illegal weaponry in Arab society as a top-tier existential threat. While he initially maintained a maximalist posture regarding security zones in Lebanon and Gaza, recent reports suggest he has shown openness to comprehensive regional agreements that include diplomatic components, provided they align with Israel's long-term security doctrine. Despite international pressure, Smotrich remains a cornerstone of the nationalist wing, prioritizing territorial integrity and the prevention of a Palestinian state.