Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich departed for the United States on Monday night to meet with senior administration officials, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The Israeli minister will discuss with Bessent economic and political cooperation between the two countries, Smotrich’s spokesperson Eitan Fuld said last week.

The meeting was arranged following an invitation from Bessent during a call two weeks prior.

This marks the first in-person meeting between Smotrich—who oversees the planning of Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria—and a senior official in the Trump administration. The Associated Press underscored that the talks could have significant implications for U.S. policy regarding Israeli building policies in Judea and Samaria.

“We’re strengthening ties and fostering closer working relations,” said Fuld, adding that professional and economic matters are also on the agenda.

Photo: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent   Use according to Section 27 A