Religious Zionism Party: Ideology, Policies, and Key Figures
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, is a national-religious right-wing party advocating for a Jewish state, expanded settlements in Judea and Samaria, and a strong security policy. Smotrich, also the Finance Minister, promotes economic deregulation but faces criticism over budget priorities. The party opposes a Palestinian state and has a history of opposing LGBTQ+ rights. Ahead of the 2026 elections, it has formed a joint list with the Zehut party.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, emphasizes Jewish identity, settlement expansion, and a strong security stance.
- Bezalel Smotrich, as Finance Minister, promotes economic deregulation but faces criticism on budget priorities.
- The party opposes a Palestinian state and has historically opposed LGBTQ+ rights and the Pride Parade.
- Religious Zionism has agreed to a joint electoral list with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party for the 2026 elections.
- Smotrich's statements on the Gaza war and post-war settlement have drawn significant controversy and criticism.
The Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, is a national-religious right-wing party established in 2021. It emphasizes the state's Jewish character, strengthening settlement in Judea and Samaria, and advocates for a Greater Land of Israel. In the 2022 elections, it ran on a joint list with the Otzma Yehudit and Noam parties. Smotrich currently serves as the Minister of Finance.
Ahead of the 2026 elections, the party has agreed to run jointly with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party. The party's platform includes a strong security policy, continuing the fight against Hamas until war aims are achieved, and expanding Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Smotrich stated in an April 2025 interview that while returning hostages is important, it is not the most crucial objective.
As Minister of Finance since 2022, Smotrich's economic agenda focuses on reducing regulation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and minimizing government intervention. However, his policies have faced criticism regarding budget priorities, especially amidst increased defense and rehabilitation spending due to the ongoing war. The party also grapples with internal divisions regarding military service, with many in the national-religious public serving in the IDF while Smotrich has supported legislation for yeshiva students' status.
Religiously, the party aims to bolster Israel's Jewish identity and education, supports increased settlement in Judea and Samaria, and advocates for judicial reforms, including limiting the Supreme Court's power. They oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state and emphasize Israel's national-Jewish character. The party has historically expressed strong opposition to the Pride Parade and equal rights for same-sex couples, with Smotrich having previously organized a counter-event and referred to the parade as "a parade of abomination."
Since joining the government in late 2022, Religious Zionism has grown from a niche party to one holding significant influence, including the Finance Ministry. The Gaza war has intensified controversies surrounding the party, with Smotrich opposing certain hostage deal concessions and advocating for Jewish settlement in Gaza. He also made controversial statements regarding Gaza's future, including suggesting it would be "completely destroyed" and supporting the idea of encouraging emigration from Gaza, which drew international criticism.
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