Finance Minister Smotrich Invites Rabbi Zarbiv to Join Religious Zionist List in Second Spot

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich has offered Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv, a prominent military reservist and rabbinical judge, a high position on his party's electoral list, reportedly the second spot. Rabbi Zarbiv gained public recognition during the recent war for his role as a D9 armored bulldozer driver in operations demolishing terror infrastructure in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He was also honored to light a torch at Israel's national Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl, an event that drew international attention.

This political move is part of Smotrich's broader strategy to strengthen his party by incorporating notable figures associated with the war and the Religious Zionist ideological camp. About a month ago, the party added Dr. Tzvika Mor, a leading voice against partial hostage release deals and father of captive survivor Eitan Mor, who is also expected to hold a high list position.

Rabbi Zarbiv, who serves as a dayan (rabbinical judge), developed an innovative combat method during his reserve service, known as the "Zarbiv method," credited with saving many soldiers' lives. Smotrich is currently embroiled in political controversy after Rabbi Elchanan Danino accused him of threatening to dismantle the government over hostage release negotiations, with Danino stating Smotrich's tweets caused ongoing pain to bereaved families.

Meanwhile, Smotrich continues advancing his security agenda, announcing that the Settlement Division in the Defense Ministry has completed preparations to establish three new communities in the northern Gaza envelope, pending Prime Minister approval. Rabbi Zarbiv has not yet officially responded to the offer. Previously, after lighting the torch, left-wing groups filed complaints to disqualify him from his rabbinical position, but these were dismissed by the judicial complaints commissioner.

This initiative reflects Smotrich's effort to build a party list combining rabbinical leadership with operational military experience, aiming to appeal to the religious public shaped by the recent conflict.