Finance Minister Smotrich Pushes Cabinet to Approve Aid for Palestinian Banks Despite Prior Opposition
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By דפנה ליאל
First reported by N12 · Jul 13, 2026
What happened
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich secured cabinet approval to extend legal protections for Israeli banks mediating Palestinian banks' international transactions, despite his earlier opposition. The decision aims to prevent the Palestinian Authority's economic collapse but drew criticism from coalition ministers, including members of Smotrich's own party, for reviving Palestinian financial activity.
- 01Finance Minister Smotrich pushed cabinet to extend indemnity for Israeli banks aiding Palestinian banks despite prior opposition.
- 02The decision allows Israeli banks to mediate Palestinian international financial transactions with state legal protection.
- 03Smotrich was absent from the cabinet discussion, drawing criticism from ministers including Orit Struck.
- 04Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Yitzhak Wasserlauf condemned the move and urged Smotrich to reverse it.
- 05The indemnity prevents Palestinian banks' collapse by mitigating legal risks for Israeli banks amid international sanctions.
- 06Government Secretary Yossi Fox justified the decision to avoid economic collapse of the Palestinian Authority.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
