Bezalel Smotrich

Force in Play

Pushing harder military response

On July 25, Israeli troops sealed off the village of Tell, near Nablus, raided about 70 homes, and detained 70 to 80 Palestinians. Soldiers took over one house and used it to question detainees on the spot.

Updated Jul 25

Money Moves

Managed budget passage amid war and coalition friction

Israel's parliament voted 62-55 to approve the country's largest-ever state budget — 850.6 billion shekels ($271 billion) — with two days to spare before a legal deadline that would have dissolved the government and triggered new elections. The defense ministry alone received 143 billion shekels ($45.8 billion), reflecting the cost of ongoing military operations against Iran that are running at an estimated $480-550 million per day.

Updated May 30

Rule Changes

Sanctioned by UK and allies, banned by several EU states; confirmed ICC prosecutor sought arrest warrant

Eleven Western governments have now banned or sanctioned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. France acted on May 23; Poland had imposed a five-year ban two days earlier, citing Ben-Gvir as a threat to public order.

Updated May 24

Rule Changes

Driving settlement approvals inside Netanyahu’s coalition

Israel's cabinet quietly signed off on 19 additional Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, then kept it classified for days. Some are brand-new recognitions; others are outposts that were illegal even under Israeli rules, now getting a state stamp.

Updated May 15