Minister Smotrich Demands Netanyahu to Dismiss Milvitzky from Finance Committee Leadership: “We Can’t Pass a Budget with Him”

Ongoing Conflict in the Coalition

In a recent escalation of tensions within the Israeli government, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to replace Knesset member Hanokh Milvitzky as the chairman of the Finance Committee. This request was made during a meeting between the two leaders last week, in anticipation of the upcoming state budget discussions set to commence in the coming weeks.

Smotrich’s Justification

Smotrich expressed serious concerns regarding Milvitzky’s leadership, stating, “With him, it will not be possible to pass a budget.” This highlights the significant friction that has been evident in the coalition, particularly regarding fiscal policy and legislative negotiations.

Milvitzky’s Response

Hanokh Milvitzky has since responded to these demands, asserting that “the Finance Committee is not a rubber stamp for the Ministry of Finance.” His statement indicates a commitment to maintaining the committee’s autonomy and a willingness to uphold the legislative process even amid internal disagreements.

This development underscores the complexity of coalition governance in Israel, where differing priorities and approaches can lead to clashes among party leaders, especially regarding financial legislation.

As both sides prepare for the budget discussions, the question remains whether Smotrich’s call for a leadership change will materialize and how it will affect the government’s ability to move forward with its budgetary agenda.