Settlers Prioritize Development Over Ideology, Backing Smotrich
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Residents in West Bank settlements, including secular and less religious individuals, are increasingly backing politician Bezalel Smotrich, prioritizing tangible development like housing and infrastructure over abstract ideology. This shift is evident in places like Alon Shvut, where a new square is nicknamed after him. The author highlights a personal dilemma, wanting development but also responsible governance and social policies, finding no party that fully represents these needs. The article suggests the Israeli left has historically overlooked the settlement population, contributing to Smotrich's growing support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- West Bank settlers, including secular individuals, are increasingly supporting Bezalel Smotrich for his focus on development.
- A new town square in Alon Shvut settlement is jokingly nicknamed "Smotrich Square" reflecting his influence.
- Residents prioritize tangible development like housing and permits over abstract ideology.
- The author faces a dilemma, wanting development but also social policies and responsible leadership.
- The Israeli left is criticized for historically neglecting the settlement population.
- Voters are choosing parties based on what they are willing to compromise on.
A new town square in the settlement of Alon Shvut, completed after more than a decade, has been jokingly nicknamed "Smotrich Square" by some residents. This reflects a shift in the political landscape of parts of the West Bank settlement movement, where the name Bezalel Smotrich is now more prominent than past figures like Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked.
The author observes that Smotrich's name is now invoked not only by religious individuals but also by secular and less observant Jews who are wary of religious establishment influence in their personal lives. However, these individuals desire Smotrich's political influence regarding the "map" of the West Bank and settlement expansion. Even the author's sons, with minimal religious observance, express that "only he will build here" and "only he will do things for us."
This sentiment stems from a tangible focus on development, such as building homes, roads, and obtaining permits, which residents of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) perceive as more critical than abstract ideology. They evaluate governments based on whether they prioritize the region's development or view it as a geopolitical problem to be frozen.
The author expresses personal conflict, wanting development for her own future home in a new neighborhood but also desiring a government that addresses social issues, maintains proper governance, avoids old arrangements with ultra-Orthodox parties, and demonstrates leadership responsibility, especially after the October 7th failures. She finds no political party that encompasses all these desires.
Smotrich has successfully attracted supporters from the liberal-religious sector, and his appeal to broad segments of the religious Zionist community may surprise election results. The author concludes that voters are choosing parties based on what they are willing to compromise on, leading to frustration. She seeks a leader who doesn't force a choice about which part of their life to abandon.
The article also critiques the Israeli left for historically treating the settlement issue solely as a political matter, neglecting the growing population of over half a million people. It suggests that if past centrist and left-wing governments had acknowledged this population, discussions about borders might have been more nuanced, and the focus on development might not have become solely associated with one political camp.
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