Messianic Ideology's Growing Influence in Israeli Politics and Institutions
A significant trend within Religious Zionism views control over all of the Land of Israel and its wars as stages in a redemptive process. The spiritual leaders of this movement head yeshivas and pre-military academies whose graduates hold senior positions in the IDF. Politically, representatives of this ideology have secured key ministerial portfolios in the 37th government, including the Ministry of Finance, broad authorities in Judea and Samaria, and the Ministry of Settlement Affairs.
Rabbi Eli Sadan, founder of the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli, received the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in 2016. Among the academy's alumni are Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Central Command General Avi Blutt. Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure, obtained extensive powers in Judea and Samaria through coalition agreements, including the authority to declare state lands and enforce planning and building laws on Palestinian construction in Area C. Smotrich has also expressed a desire for Israel to "return to operating as it did in the days of King David and King Solomon."
Rabbi Tzvi Tau, head of the Har HaMor Yeshiva, is behind the establishment of the Noam party. The core belief of this movement is that the entire Land of Israel was given to the people of Israel, and any relinquishment of parts of it is forbidden. Former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu stated in 2001 that any agreement involving the surrender of parts of the Land of Israel is fundamentally null and void. Rabbi Dov Lior stated in August 2026 that handing over any part of the Land of Israel to gentile rule is forbidden.
Smotrich has articulated his long-term aspiration for Israel to be governed according to Torah law, while acknowledging this will only happen when the people of Israel desire it. He also previously stated a desire to bring Torah law back into prominence. Rabbi Sadan, a recipient of the Israel Prize, has made controversial statements regarding gender roles and homosexuality, and has criticized secularism as a threat to the nation. Alumni of his academy, such as Roman Gofman (future Mossad chief) and Avi Blutt (Central Command General), have reached high-ranking positions.
The article details how this messianic-political ideology, originating from religious-nationalist circles, has moved into state institutions. It traces this influence from the Six-Day War and the control of Judea and Samaria, through movements like Gush Emunim, educational institutions like Merkaz Harav and Bnei David, and political figures such as Smotrich and Orit Strock. The research examines the extent to which this ideology has become institutionalized within government, legislation, education, and the military, while also noting existing public and institutional opposition.