The Gaza Perimeter Massacre: Betzalel Smotrich's New Role

The Israeli government decided to make changes to its decisions regarding the Ministerial Committee on Matters of Society and Economy (social-economic cabinet) regarding the complement and authorities of the committee, in order to handle all civilian aspects related to the management of the war effort.

The government decided to change the complement of the committee headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu – such that his substitute, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, effectively runs it. The Finance Minister agreed to the Prime Minister’s request.

The following ministers will also be added to the committee: Gideon Sa’ar, Hili Tropper, Yoav Kisch, Uriel Buso, and Yaakov Margi. Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton will serve as an observer on the committee.

Furthermore, the government authorized the committee to discuss a variety of topics, at its discretion providing a response regarding all the civilian issues arising from the war. These include ensuring the continuity of civilian functions, economic responses for business owners and the public sector, restoration of settlements and communities in the Gaza Perimeter, forming a narrow social-economic committee, hasbarah, and more.

The work of the committee will be coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Yossi Sheli, who will work hand in hand with Finance Ministry Director-General Shlomi Heisler.

The decision changes remain in force until the end of the war.