Smotrich to Be Israel’s Finance Chief In Netanyahu-Led Cabinet

Bezalel Smotrich will be finance minister in rotation deal
Former housing minister Yoav Gallant to be defense minister

Bezalel Smotrich during a swearing in ceremony at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Israel, on Nov. 15.Photographer: Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg

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By Daniel Avis

December 28, 2022 at 11:07 AM UTC

Updated on

December 28, 2022 at 2:07 PM UTC

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Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is drawing on right-wing politicians for top posts in his new cabinet that have been criticized by Israel’s president and Western officials.

Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of the nationalist Religious Zionism party, is poised to become Israel’s next finance minister, while Itamar Ben Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party will control the national security ministry, with responsibility for the police.