Bezalel Smotrich
Bezalel Smotrich is an Israeli far-right politician and lawyer who has served as Israel’s finance minister since 2022.
Bezalel Smotrich is an Israeli far-right politician and lawyer who has served as Israel’s finance minister since 2022. He is the leader of the Religious Zionism party and has been given authority over civilian matters in parts of the occupied West Bank through coalition and ministerial arrangements. His political positions and public statements have drawn significant domestic and international controversy.
Early life and education
Bezalel Smotrich was born in 1980 in Haspin in the Golan Heights. He trained and worked as a lawyer before entering national politics.
Political career
Smotrich entered the Knesset in 2015 and later became a leading politician in Religious Zionism. He joined Israel’s government in 2022 and was appointed finance minister.
Role in settlement policy
As a minister with responsibilities linked to the occupied West Bank, Smotrich has been associated with civilian administration and settlement expansion. Coverage in major outlets has described him as influential in shaping policy there.
Public positions and controversies
Smotrich has been linked to highly controversial statements and positions on Palestinians, settlements, and Israeli politics. International reactions have included criticism and sanctions from some governments and institutions.
Key facts
- Smotrich is the head of the Religious Zionism party and a prominent figure on Israel’s far right.
- He became Israel’s finance minister in 2022 as part of a coalition agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- He has been associated with oversight of Israeli settlement policy in the West Bank and other civilian powers in the occupied Palestinian territories.
- He has publicly opposed Palestinian statehood and supported expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
- Media and governments have criticized some of his statements as racist, homophobic, or inflammatory.
Canadian readers may encounter Smotrich in coverage of Israel-Palestine policy, Canadian foreign policy debates, and international reactions to Israeli settlement expansion and Gaza-related statements.[13][14]
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bezalel-SmotrichSupports: Birth date, birthplace, political role, party leadership, and appointment as finance minister.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bezalel_SmotrichSupports: General biography, political positions, settlement policy, and reported controversies.
- Le Monde — https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2023/03/07/bezalel-smotrich-le-colon-radical-qui-impose-sa-marque-au-gouvernement-israelien_6164444_3210.htmlSupports: Role in the Israeli government and influence over West Bank civilian administration.
- Le Monde — https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/03/09/bezalel-smotrich-the-extremist-settler-is-making-his-mark-on-the-israeli-government_6018684_4.htmlSupports: Authority over the Civil Administration in the occupied Palestinian territories and political influence.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y59z6rznvoSupports: Recent reporting on his Gaza and West Bank positions and international backlash.
- European External Action Service — https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelgaza-statement-high-representative-remarks-minister-smotrich-regarding-starving-civilians_enSupports: EU condemnation of remarks attributed to Smotrich.