Opinion Piece Contrasts Two Israeli Ministers on Governance and Rhetoric

An opinion column published May 31, 2026, distinguishes between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The article argues that Smotrich operates within legal mandates while Ben-Gvir’s record shows administrative shortfalls.

The column states that Smotrich attempted reforms in import and dairy sectors and directed funds to ultra-Orthodox communities. It notes that settlement construction under his oversight set new records, a policy supported by 58 percent of Jewish Israelis according to the Jewish People Policy Institute.

The column reports that Ben-Gvir’s death-penalty legislation, passed last month, contains evidentiary standards that limit its application. It adds that the police force under his ministry faces a shortage of more than 1,500 officers despite an increased budget.

The article states that civilian firearm licenses rose by more than 230,000 under Ben-Gvir, while the Firearms Licensing Division recorded a 500 percent increase in complaints, 85 percent of which the State Comptroller deemed justified.

The column contrasts Smotrich’s partial clarification of a statement about the village of Huwara with Ben-Gvir’s lack of similar revisions. It notes that an International Criminal Court prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant for Smotrich but not for Ben-Gvir. The article concludes that Smotrich’s polling numbers have fallen below the electoral threshold while Ben-Gvir’s support has risen.