Bezalel Smotrich

Force in Play

Touted home demolitions in Hebron on camera

Israel's Hebron operation entered its seventh day on October 29, and the West Bank-wide lockdown is still in place. Hebron's governor says 537 families, or 3,361 people, have been forced from their homes, including 232 infants and 326 older people.

Updated Oct 30

Money Moves

As of May 2026: 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

As of May 2026: 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

As of May 2026: 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