Religious Zionist Rabbis Explore Forming New Right-Wing Political Party

Rabbi Beni Kalmanzon, president of the Atniel Yeshiva, along with other rabbis, is currently exploring the possibility of establishing a new right-wing political party in Israel. The initiative involves reaching out to key figures within the national camp to assess the feasibility and willingness to join this new political framework. Among those reportedly contacted are prominent politicians Yuli Edelstein, Gilad Erdan, and Ayelet Shaked.

Rabbi Kalmanzon, whose son Elhanan Kalmanzon was killed in combat on October 7, told Channel 7 that the outreach has focused on core members of the Religious Zionist community, including rabbis from Hesder yeshivas and settlement leaders across the country. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current Religious Zionist Party, stating that he and other rabbis are unhappy with its direction and performance.

The rabbi emphasized that they are considering various combinations within the strong right-wing spectrum, including differing views on military service, reliance on the ultra-Orthodox community, and roles within the rabbinical world. Rabbi Kalmanzon noted that although he voted for the Religious Zionist Party in the previous elections, he is now disappointed with its conduct and is actively exploring alternatives.