The 'If You Follow My Statutes' Economy? The Left Mocked – But the Data Speaks

Finance Minister Smotrich declared a 'If You Follow My Statutes' economy about four years ago, and the left mocked. Now the article presents positive data: the stock exchange surged 124%, the shekel strengthened, inflation is low, foreign investments are at a record high, and growth is the highest in the OECD.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared at the beginning of the government's term in December 2022 his belief in a 'heavenly assistance economy', citing the verses 'And it shall come to pass if you hearken' and 'If you follow my statutes'. The declaration was met with ridicule from left-wing elements, who linked it to negative economic events. Now, after nearly four years, the article presents positive economic data: the TA-125 index rose by 124% compared to 88% in the S&P 500; the shekel strengthened by 11% against the dollar and 7% against the euro; inflation in Israel stands at 1.6% compared to 3.7% in the US; the interest rate was cut three times to 3.25%; foreign direct investments reached a record of over $26 billion in 2025; the IMF raised its growth forecast to 4.5% this year, the highest in the OECD; apartment prices rose by only 3% since the beginning of 2023 and fell by 1.8% in the last year in real terms; the credit rating of S&P and Moody's was improved to a 'stable' outlook. Smotrich told C14 that the combination of 'If you follow my statutes' and correct economic moves led to the achievements. The article presents the data from a perspective supporting the minister's policy, while ignoring the effects of the war on specific sectors and critical voices.