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Live Terminal
Politics · Full coverage

Smotrich Says Security Funds Should Not Go to LGBTQ Programming

How 7 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

Smotrich Says Security Funds Should Not Go to LGBTQ Programming
57% center
Center 4Right 3

By דסק C14

First reported by Mako · Jun 23, 2026

What happened

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended Shin Bet chief David Zini after reports he canceled Pride-related displays and events. Smotrich said security funds should not be used for LGBTQ programming and rejected claims that his stance was homophobic.

  • 01Smotrich backed David Zini after reports he halted Pride events and LGBTQ flags at the Shin Bet.
  • 02He said security money should be spent on countering terror, not LGBTQ programming.
  • 03Smotrich accused opponents of forcing their worldview on state institutions.
  • 04He denied homophobia and said every person has the right to live as they choose.
  • 05The exchange took place Wednesday in the Knesset after a question from MK Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story
People
Bezalel SmotrichDavid Zini
OrganizationsShin Bet, Yesh Atid, Channel 12, Knesset, Finance Ministry
PlacesIsrael

Full coverage · 7 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

Now 14Right · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Smotrich Says Security Funds Should Not Go to LGBTQ Programming
YnetCenter · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Shin Bet chief orders memorial display removed and gay affinity group shut down
WallaCenter · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Yinon Magal criticizes Shin Bet decision not to fund Pride events
WallaCenter · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Asi Azar Slams Shin Bet Chief Over Cancellation of Pride Events
N12Center · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Assi Azar blasts Shin Bet chief over cancelled Pride Month events
MakoCenter · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Asi Azar attacks Shin Bet chief over canceled Pride Month events
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Smotrich Backs Shin Bet Chief Amid Pride Event Controversy
YnetCenter · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Assi Azar blasts Shin Bet chief over Pride cancellations
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Former Shin Bet official defends David Zini amid controversy over Pride events
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 24, 2026
Shin Bet Chief Draws Backlash After Canceling Pride Month Events
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 23, 2026
Former Shin Bet Employee Urges Staff Not to Quit After Pride Event Cancellation
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 23, 2026
Shin Bet Chief Orders Pride Month Events Canceled Inside Agency
Arutz ShevaRight · HebrewJun 23, 2026
Shin Bet Chief Reportedly Halts LGBTQ Activity and Reassigns Dedicated Budget
MakoCenter · HebrewJun 23, 2026
Shin Bet Chief Cancels Pride Month Events and Freezes LGBT Unit Budget
N12Center · HebrewJun 23, 2026
Shin Bet chief cancels Pride Month events and wipes out LGBT unit budget

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