Finance Minister Smotrich Reveals Marriage Crisis, Therapy Saved Union

Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich revealed in a recent interview that he and his wife, Revital, experienced a significant marital crisis early in their marriage, approximately 25 years ago. He stated that they sought professional help from a couples therapist, which he credits with saving their marriage. Smotrich shared that he and his wife met through a matchmaker, were engaged after three months, and married within two. He admitted to having dreams of experiencing the world before marriage, but his wife became pregnant quickly and suffered severe morning sickness throughout her pregnancy, leaving him feeling like a "foreign worker" caring for her while dealing with his own unmet expectations.

Smotrich recounted seeking advice from his father, a rabbi, who then provided him with the contact information for Avraham Katz, a pioneer in couples therapy within the religious community. He described their initial therapy sessions as "very intensive" and instrumental in saving their marriage. Since then, the couple has continued to attend therapy periodically when needed.

He provided examples of when they sought therapy, including when he became a Knesset member, to learn how to maintain marital intimacy amidst his public life and lack of privacy. Smotrich explained that his security detail and public recognition prevent simple outings like going to a cafe or restaurant, and even vacations require special arrangements due to constant security presence.

Additionally, Smotrich disclosed that they underwent therapy after being evacuated from their home in Kedumim for security reasons during the "With All Your Might" operation. He described his wife's difficulty coping with the displacement, realizing the emotional impact of their home, their "fortress," no longer feeling safe. This realization prompted them to seek therapy to navigate the situation.