Smotrich seeks Treasury and Defense Ministry roles, cites budget leverage over military

Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich plans to demand the Treasury portfolio and Defense Ministry minister position in the next government, arguing his previous control of the state budget enabled him to advance settlement policy in the West Bank. He explicitly stated he used budget closures to pressure the military when it opposed his agenda. This signals potential escalation in coalition negotiations and raises concerns about further politicization of defense and fiscal policy.