Netanyahu Shifts to Empower Religious Zionism in Israel's Leadership

Recent key appointments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mark a surprising shift in his approach toward the Religious Zionist community. Historically, Netanyahu viewed this group as loyal but limited to subordinate roles, entrusting Israel's top security and strategic positions to the traditional military and intelligence elite. He once described Religious Zionists as having a "big heart but a small mind," reflecting a long-standing perception that they were idealistic executors rather than leaders.

This dynamic mirrored a biblical tension between King Saul and David, symbolizing the complex relationship between secular Zionist leadership and the religious-nationalist sector. While the former appreciated the dedication and sacrifice of Religious Zionists, they feared their ideological fervor and alternative moral perspectives, sometimes viewing them as a threat.

The turning point came after the collapse of Israel's security systems during the October 7 attacks, which exposed critical intelligence failures and a breakdown in trust toward the established security apparatus. Netanyahu recognized that the closed, self-sustaining military-intelligence elite lacked the spiritual and ideological framework necessary to confront Israel's evolving challenges.

Concurrently, a profound reevaluation of Torah observance occurred, revealing that deep religious commitment strengthens resilience, mental fortitude, and heroism rather than diminishing them. This realization paved the way for Netanyahu to appoint Religious Zionist figures to pivotal roles such as head of the Shin Bet, National Security Council, and Mossad, overcoming institutional resistance.

This shift also calls for an internal transformation within Religious Zionism, encouraging it to lead without compromising core values, moving from a passive "kashrut supervisor" role to the "engine" driving national leadership. Netanyahu’s appointments symbolize a historic opportunity to reconcile and integrate the legacies of Saul and David, fostering a shared leadership that can guide Israel toward a stronger future.

The author, head of the Olamos Institute and a senior lecturer at Alon Moreh Yeshiva, frames this as a significant correction in Israeli leadership dynamics and a call for Religious Zionism to embrace its role at the helm with faith, humility, and enduring strength.