From Source says Smotrich part of Netanyahu’s new war council, but largely does not attend meetings
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Fainance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Finance in Jerusalem, September 3, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new forum to manage the war in Gaza includes Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, but the far-right Religious Zionism leader is absent from most meetings, an official in one of the ministers’ offices tells The Times of Israel.
When Smotrich is a no-show, the limited forum is made up of Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and MK Aryeh Deri, says the official.
Smotrich’s office does not respond to request for comment.
