Bezalel Smotrich: Ideologue of Israel's Religious Right

Bezalel Smotrich, born in 1980 on the Golan Heights, is a prominent figure in Israel's religious nationalist right. After studying in rabbinical institutions and law, he became deeply involved in the settlement movement, opposing the 2005 Gaza disengagement. He was arrested that year on suspicion of planning violent actions to prevent the evacuation but was released without charges. Elected to the Knesset in 2015, Smotrich rose to prominence, leading the Religious Zionist Party and forming an electoral alliance with Itamar Ben Gvir that contributed to Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc's victory in 2022. Appointed Finance Minister in December 2022, he also gained significant authority over civil administration in Judea and Samaria, which he has used to promote settlement development and Israeli control. Smotrich advocates for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and opposes a Palestinian state. His controversial statements have led to international sanctions and entry bans from several Western countries, including France, which cited his role in "settlement and violence in the West Bank." Following the October 7, 2023 attacks, Smotrich has supported the continuation of the Gaza war until Hamas is eliminated, opposing ceasefire agreements and proposing the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza with the voluntary departure of the Palestinian population. Economically, his tenure as Finance Minister has been marked by the war's costs, increased military spending, and budget pressures, with critics accusing him of prioritizing ideology over economic concerns. Ahead of the October 2026 elections, Smotrich is working to consolidate his support base, forming an alliance with Moshe Feiglin and attempting to persuade Ofer Winter to withdraw his candidacy. However, his political future appears uncertain, with polls showing him weakened and facing competition from Ben Gvir and Winter, potentially jeopardizing his ability to cross the electoral threshold.