Bezalel Smotrich Adds Activist Reut Ben Chaim to Religious Zionism Party List

Religious Zionism party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has decided to add Reut Ben Chaim to the party's Knesset slate for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. Ben Chaim is an educator, social activist, and founder of the "Tzav 9" movement, which she established after the October 7th attacks to protest aid to enemies during wartime. She also advocates for the security of communities in southern Israel and for the families of reservists serving in the current conflict.

Ben Chaim, who grew up in Acre and Nahariya and currently resides in Netivot, is married to a reservist and is a mother of nine. Her extensive volunteer work includes supporting victims of sexual assault through legal proceedings and rehabilitation, and providing emergency foster care for children removed from their homes.

Smotrich praised Ben Chaim as a brave activist and fighter dedicated to the Israeli people, highlighting her work with assault victims, children in need, and her wartime efforts for national security. He stated, "Reut brings with her a female, value-driven, and determined voice that symbolizes the values of Religious Zionism more than anything. I am proud she is joining us and confident she will be an excellent public servant for the people of Israel."

Ben Chaim expressed her excitement about joining the "winning team" of Religious Zionism, driven by a sense of mission and belief in their path. She aims to bring the voices of the vulnerable and unheard to the public sphere, focusing on national security, reservist families, residents of the Gaza envelope, victims of assault, and strengthening national resilience. She intends to translate her grassroots activism into policy changes.