Religious Zionism Defends Its Realism Against Left-Wing Criticism of Messianic Beliefs
Dr. Yaakov Altman challenges claims that messianic beliefs distorted the reality perception within Religious Zionism. He argues that faith-based education and continuous self-examination actually helped the right-wing accurately identify regional dangers, while the left clung to failed assumptions. Altman highlights the left’s intense anger, fueled not only by political disagreements but by fears that religious right-wingers intend to suppress liberal culture and ignite catastrophic wars based on mystical prophecies. He points out that for over 50 years, outcomes of unilateral withdrawals and peace agreements with Arabs have aligned with the warnings of right-wing figures like Michael Ben-Ari and others, contradicting leftist expectations.
Altman dismisses the left’s excuse that messianism caused distorted views, asserting that disciplined religious education sharpened the right’s understanding of Middle Eastern realities. Conversely, he describes the left’s worldview as rigid, intolerant, and disconnected from facts, driven by ideals like "peace on the way" and "new Middle East" that have repeatedly failed. He attributes the left’s chronic misreading of the region to prioritizing individual rights over national values and short-term gains over long-term vision. This has led to an inability to distinguish friend from foe and to verbal and physical hostility toward Jews from the left.
Responding to Professor Avi Shagai’s claim that messianism warped Religious Zionism’s reality perception, Altman calls it academic nonsense lacking factual basis. He explains that belief in imminent redemption varies widely and is balanced with political and military considerations, not a rigid policy driver. The supposed threat of a religious right-wing dictatorship contradicts the moderate character of Religious Zionism’s adherents. Altman sees leftist accusations as projections aimed at dismantling the Religious Zionist community, evidenced by years of left-wing violence.
He also cites Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya’s account of failed dialogue with leftist representatives during reform negotiations, contrasting it with more constructive talks with other groups. Altman concludes that Zionism has been hijacked by leftist "false prophets" emotionally detached from Middle Eastern realities, who slander the Religious Zionist camp. He ends with a philosophical quote emphasizing that doubt requires an objective truth, which pluralism and forcefulness undermine.
