Bezalel Smotrich temporarily resigns from Cabinet posts amid coalition rift

Smotrich’s resignation is considered a procedural step, as he intends to return to serve as a Knesset member and has formally requested reappointment to his ministerial roles once his parliamentary status is restored.

This maneuver is facilitated by the so-called “Norwegian Law” which allows ministers or deputy ministers to resign from the Knesset to focus on their executive duties, enabling the next candidate on their party’s list to enter parliament. If the minister later leaves the Cabinet, they can reclaim their Knesset seat, and the substitute member steps down.