Smotrich Says Security Funds Should Not Go to LGBTQ Programming

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended Shin Bet chief David Zini in the Knesset on Wednesday, responding to a question from Yesh Atid MK Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu after Channel 12 reported that Zini had canceled Pride events and the hanging of LGBTQ flags at the agency. Smotrich said he supports focusing the security service on countering enemies, not on what he called external agendas.

In his remarks, Smotrich objected to what he described as years of pressure to promote LGBTQ messaging in state institutions. He said that when he entered the Finance Ministry, his computer screensaver had been changed for Pride Month and asked, "What is this brainwashing?" He added that he did not want such material on his own computer or for the government to spend large sums on it.

Smotrich rejected accusations that he was promoting violence or discrimination, saying, "No one is talking, heaven forbid, about violence," and arguing that no one should force others to adopt a preferred worldview. He accused Lahav-Hertzanu of being, in his words, "the least respectful, the least tolerant, the least liberal," and said Zini was "the right person at the right time" because he was not yielding to "populist fashions."

The minister also said Zini is known as a respectful and pleasant person who is not imposing his views on anyone, but also will not allow others to impose theirs on him. Smotrich insisted that only the Israeli flag should be officially displayed in state institutions and said he respected every person’s right to live as they choose, but would not support spending money meant for "security against terror" on LGBTQ-related matters. After Lahav-Hertzanu left the chamber, Smotrich said the real demand was mutual respect for differing views, and denied that his position was homophobic.