The right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken steps to increase the number of homes in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, prompting international condemnation.
Tag: Smotrich, Bezalel (1980- )
Israel Eases West Bank Settlement Rules, Clearing Way for New Homes
The change could accelerate the construction of thousands of new houses in the occupied territory and puts a far-right minister in charge of giving approvals.
Conflict With the Far Right Shrouds Jerusalem’s Pride Parade
Much of Israel’s L.G.B.T.Q. community feels threatened by the right-wing government and its judicial overhaul plan — even with a gay speaker of Parliament.
As Israel’s Crises Pile Up, a Far-Right Minister Is a Common Thread
Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, is a longtime advocate of contentious plans to overhaul the judiciary. He has also exacerbated tensions with Palestinians and Israel’s allies.
Netanyahu Attempts Another Juggling Act, Maybe His Toughest Yet
Israel’s prime minister, who has long thrived by pitting one force against another, is caught between his far-right coalition and public anger over the government’s plan to weaken the judiciary.
Israel Votes to Scrap Law Barring Settlers at Four Evacuated West Bank Sites
In a highly symbolic action for Israel’s settler movement, lawmakers approved a first step toward resettling evacuated areas amid spiraling Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Netanyahu Juggles Competing Goals Over Palestinian Attacks
After a deadly week, Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic calls for a harsh crackdown, and international pressure to moderate. It’s a familiar balancing act — but with one major difference.
Amid Spasm of Violence, Israel’s Far-Right Government Raises Risk of Escalation
Israel and the West Bank were gripped by violence this week. Its roots predate Israel’s new far-right government, but the government’s ministers and goals are fueling tensions.
Israel’s New Government Pushes A Rush of Far-Right Initiatives
Benjamin Netanyahu needed the support of far-right factions to return to the prime minister’s office. Now they want to curb the powers of the judiciary, giving rise to fears about an erosion of democracy.
As Netanyahu Nears Power, the Far Right Wants to Oversee the Army
Bezalel Smotrich is an ultranationalist who opposes Palestinian sovereignty and wants to govern Israel by Jewish law. He seeks the Defense Ministry in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.