Smotrich's Religious Zionism Party Adds War Hero and Activist to Knesset List

The Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has announced the addition of two prominent figures to its list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections: Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Itamar Itam, a decorated combat veteran injured in Gaza, and Reut Ben Haim, a founder of the "Tzav 9" movement.

Itam, an educator and a disabled IDF veteran, sustained a severe injury from sniper fire while leading his battalion in Gaza. Despite his wounds, he returned to the battlefield and continued commanding his unit. Since the October 7th Hamas attacks, Itam has accumulated nearly 700 days of reserve duty, leading forces in both Gaza and Lebanon. He is also a co-founder of the "Reservists of the Victory Generation" movement and a leader of the "War Wounded for Victory" initiative.

Ben Haim was a key figure in "Tzav 9," a movement that protested against the transfer of aid to Gaza during the war, arguing it would benefit Hamas. Her addition, along with Itam's, aligns with Smotrich's strategy to present a slate of candidates with backgrounds in security, settlement, and education.

Smotrich welcomed Itam, calling him a "hero of Israel" and a representative of the "victory generation." He highlighted Itam's bravery, his severe injury, and his return to combat, stating that Itam would bring the same spirit to public life. Itam expressed his desire to continue his public service in the political arena after years of service on the battlefield and in education.

These additions follow the party's earlier announcement of retired Major General Yossi Bachar, a former commander of the Gaza Division and the Paratroopers Brigade, joining their list. Bachar is a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri and was involved in defending the kibbutz on October 7th.