Religious Zionism Faces Criticism for Narrow Focus Despite Settlement Gains
Over the past four years, the Religious Zionism party has achieved significant progress in Judea and Samaria, including the expansion of thousands of dunams, establishment of dozens of settlements, and the repeal of the disengagement law in northern Samaria. These accomplishments are described as revolutionary for the settlement enterprise. However, critics argue that the party’s focus on this single value neglects other important issues such as military conscription, reserve duty, rabbinical appointments, and broad representation.
Only about one-third of the population in Judea and Samaria identifies as Religious Zionist, with the remainder being secular or ultra-Orthodox, highlighting the need for a party that represents the entire community. The article references Moses’ leadership as an example of inclusive guidance, emphasizing that a leader must be present for all parts of the people, not just a comfortable segment.
The party is criticized for failing to pass legislation to draft non-religious Torah students despite the heavy burden of reserve duty borne by its constituents, with some soldiers accumulating over 400 days of service. Additionally, no Religious Zionist city rabbi was appointed during the term, and internal conflicts led to the loss of the chief rabbi position. The cancellation of primary elections is seen as a message that the public is treated as a passive audience rather than active participants, undermining trust and diversity within the party.
The article concludes that Religious Zionism has never been a single-issue movement but rather a comprehensive one encompassing Torah values, national responsibility, and true representation of all its members. A party that prioritizes one value at the expense of others fails to represent the entire Religious Zionist public, which deserves full and inclusive representation. If the current party does not provide this, voters will seek alternatives elsewhere.
