Amichai Etali Apologizes for Post Criticizing Religious Zionism Party, Yet Attacks Smotrich's Leadership

Israeli media personality Amichai Etali issued a public apology for remarks he made last week accusing the Religious Zionism party of being post-Zionist. However, he simultaneously launched a sharp critique of the party's political conduct and its leader, Bezalel Smotrich. Etali clarified that while the party itself is not post-Zionist, it promotes post-Zionist agendas.

Etali emphasized that his disagreement with Smotrich is not about settlement policies or ongoing security efforts, but centers on the party's stance toward the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) sector. He described the core dilemma of Religious Zionism as its relationship with the Haredim, accusing Smotrich of fully capitulating to ultra-Orthodox parties despite previously opposing cooperation with Arab parties on moral grounds.

He labeled the Haredi parties as "anti-Zionist" due to their lack of mutual responsibility and national accountability, criticizing their focus on exemptions from military service and laws that promote hidden unemployment. Etali also condemned Smotrich for supporting legislation granting immunity from arrest to draft dodgers, arguing that the coalition's policies punish those who serve while shielding those who avoid service.

In conclusion, Etali urged Smotrich to reconsider his political approach, stating that Religious Zionism has never aligned with the right-wing parties Likud or Religious Zionist Party (RLP). He accused Smotrich of prioritizing personal alliances over principles and called on him to commit to joining any Zionist government that advances right-wing values, while addressing the "Haredi time bomb" issue.