Smotrich Draws Uproar in Knesset With Remark on Arab-Community Killings

Overview

• During a Feb. 17 Knesset session, Ra'am MK Iman Khatib‑Yassin accused the government of failing to curb violence in Arab society.
• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich replied, "Are we to blame that you're killing each other?" prompting an outcry in the chamber.
• Opposition lawmakers reminded Smotrich that, as a cabinet minister, he bears responsibility for addressing the issue.
• Smotrich said the government is acting and urged Arab leaders to denounce violence and label Hamas a terrorist organization.
• Later in the Finance Committee, Smotrich and UTJ MK Moshe Gafni clashed over economic policy, with Gafni warning of harm to dairy‑farming families and Smotrich arguing his plans save low‑income households money.