Yehuda Shlezinger Highlights Broad National Impact of Religious Zionism Party Beyond Settlements

In a special column on Walla, journalist Yehuda Shlezinger argues that the focus on the Religious Zionism party's electoral list should be on their actions rather than their geographic residences. He emphasizes that senior party members have been actively involved in national issues including security, economy, law, and welfare, affecting all Israeli citizens. Shlezinger challenges critics who reduce the party's work to settlement promotion, presenting instead a comprehensive view of their contributions during the recent war and throughout the last Knesset term.

He highlights key figures such as Minister Orit Strook, who played a central role in the political-security cabinet during the war and earned respect for her diligence. MK Simcha Rothman led the controversial judicial reform, which Shlezinger notes was a nationwide issue, not limited to specific settlements. Zvika Mor became a prominent public symbol advocating for hostages during the war, embodying the painful balance between personal loss and national responsibility. MK Michal Waldiger has focused on mental health and post-trauma care, a welfare area relevant across Israeli society, especially after the October 7 massacre.

Regarding party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Shlezinger stresses that his role during one of Israel's most costly wars involved managing defense budgets and maintaining economic stability, responsibilities that transcend any local constituency. While acknowledging the party’s ideological commitment to settlement development in Judea and Samaria, Shlezinger insists it is incorrect to claim their entire agenda revolves around this. He concludes that the Religious Zionism party’s work is broad, national, and cross-sectoral, not limited to geographic or sectoral interests.