Smotrich Warns of Right-Wing Election Loss Amid Chabad Rabbi Visit

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited Rabbi Yitzhak Yehuda Yaroslavsky, a senior Chabad-Lubavitch rabbinical judge, pledging to uphold "three completeneses": Torah, the people, and the land. During the meeting, Smotrich discussed his efforts to unite the right-wing parties ahead of elections, warning that separate runs could lead to a loss. "Running separately is very dangerous. We can lose the elections just because of this," he stated. Rabbi Yaroslavsky responded that voting is a "duty, there is no doubt about it."

Smotrich also addressed the issue of yeshiva students and the draft law, asserting that no law would pass without addressing their status. "There will be no law without this. This is our condition," he declared, emphasizing that those who study Torah belong in yeshiva but their status needs to be regulated, particularly regarding travel for study.

Regarding settlement in Judea and Samaria, Smotrich highlighted his work as former Defense Ministry official, claiming to have facilitated the establishment of 106 settlements and around 150 outposts. He argued these actions severed Palestinian territorial contiguity and strengthened Israeli control. He also warned of past security threats from the region towards central Israel, stating, "The danger has passed, but if people stay home on election day, all the achievements will be for naught."

On the topic of "completeness of the people," Smotrich mentioned his push to amend the "Who is a Jew" law, stating it "must be corrected," despite facing criticism. He attributed the delay to Haredi parties' recent refusal to support the coalition over the draft law crisis.

At the end of the visit, Smotrich asked Rabbi Yaroslavsky to bless his son, who was seriously injured fighting in Lebanon. The Rabbi offered a blessing for the son and the minister, wishing him success and good for the people of Israel.