Smotrich Addresses Rabbis and Yeshiva Students, Warns of Leftist Rule
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich spoke at the "Hineni" conference, warning against a potential leftist government and asserting his Religious Zionism party's unique commitment to national and religious values. He acknowledged party mistakes but expressed confidence in voter support, highlighting the natural connection between Torah scholars and political action. Smotrich outlined a voter mobilization plan and a joint campaign with Likud for the upcoming elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned a leftist government would "trample everything dear and important to us."
- Smotrich stated his Religious Zionism party is uniquely committed to the nation, land, and Torah.
- He acknowledged his party has made mistakes but believes voters will still support them.
- Smotrich described the connection between Torah scholars and political activity as natural.
- A plan to mobilize voters and a joint campaign with Likud were presented.
- The conference drew a surprisingly large number of rabbis and yeshiva students.
Minister of Finance and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich spoke at the "Hineni" conference for rabbis and yeshiva students in Jerusalem, addressing the upcoming elections and the competition for religious Zionist votes. He acknowledged that his party has made mistakes but asserted its unique commitment to the values of religious Zionism, the nation, the land, and Torah. Smotrich emphasized that his party's core mission is to support educational institutions, youth movements, national service programs, preparatory academies, and settlement, distinguishing it from other parties.
Smotrich warned that a leftist government would undermine core values, stating, "Heaven forbid if the left comes to power, it will trample everything dear and important to us." He highlighted his party's success in translating political power into influence on the war, security, Jewish identity, settlement, and judicial reform. Despite admitting to party errors and acknowledging justified criticism, Smotrich expressed confidence that voters, even those critical, would ultimately support his party due to its representation of their values.
Addressing the connection between Torah scholars and political activity, Smotrich described it as natural, stemming from Torah and extending into all areas of Israeli life. He noted the surprising turnout at the "Hineni" conference, attributing it to his consistent engagement with rabbis and students over the past four years. Smotrich also pointed to the dedication and mutual responsibility demonstrated by the religious Zionist public during the recent war as a product of their education.
Looking ahead to the elections, Smotrich outlined a plan to mobilize voters through outreach to friends, acquaintances, and neighbors, with a final push in the days leading up to and on election day. He also mentioned a joint campaign with the Likud party aimed at securing a victory for the national camp, stressing the need for continuous effort until the polls close to maximize the party's political strength and advance religious Zionist values.
