Religious Zionist Party

Israel Election 2026: What does Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party stand for?

"If I put this ballot in the box, what government, policies, and political reality am I helping create?"

(L-R) Religious Zionist Party (RZP) MK Simcha Rothman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shake hands at the RZP primaries ahead of the 2026 Israeli  election, in Jerusalem, July 26, 2026
The minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir

Eight ministers, lawmakers wanted to leave Netanyahu's Likud for Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir reveals

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with 'Jerusalem Post' Editor in Chief Zvika Klein, August 12, 2026.

The secret Smotrich kept from his wife: Israel was going to war with Iran - interview

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

WATCH: 'I know how to act responsibly': Smotrich outlines election strategy, plan to draft haredim


Haredi day care bill loses majority after three RZP MKs withdraw support

The coalition has 68 members. United Right chairman MK Gideon Sa'ar announced on Sunday that his four MKs would oppose the bill, and Likud MK Dan Illouz also said he would vote no.

 UTJ MK Yisrael Eichler points at a fellow lawmaker in the Knesset plenum.

Govt. votes to advance controversial haredi daycare bill

The religious Zionist Party conditioned its support on prioritizing IDF reservists.

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara listens on as she attends a cabinet meeting at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem on June 5, 2024.

The Religious Zionist Party leadership: Neither religious, nor Zionist - opinion

There has been a disconnect between the reality of the religious Zionist community and their key politicians who protect the haredim from any sanctions over avoiding conscription.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionist Party, addresses the party’s parliamentary faction in the Knesset this week.

Smotrich tears up during speech on the sacrifices of the religious Zionist community during the war

Smotrich lamented the tide of deaths of IDF soldiers in the last few days but said that particular attention should be paid to the religious Zionist community.

 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wipes tears from his eyes as he recounts the sacrifices of the Religious Zionist community, October 28, 2024.

Aliya minister Ofir Sofer calls for unity government

Sofer's call came after National Unity MK Matan Kahana, said in a radio interview that he would be willing to join a unity government even without setting a date for an election.

 Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer at the annual Jerusalem Conference of the 'Besheva' group in Jerusalem, on February 26, 2024.

Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria but no voting rights for Palestinians, Friedman says

Ex-US Ambassador David Friedman advocates Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria without Palestinian voting rights, comparing it to Puerto Rico.

 David Friedman

As Israel’s North burns, Orit Struck says it’s a ‘time of miracles’ for West Bank settlements

Strock’s comments came during her visit to Givat Hanan in the West Bank, as Hezbollah launched its largest barrage on Israel's North to date.

 EVEN NATIONAL Missions Minister Orit Struck knows that closing one junction is not what will stop a future attacker, says the writer.

Attempts to pass the 'Rabbi Law' show how disconnected the government is - editorial

The Knesset was supposed to hold initial committee votes on the Rabbi Law on Tuesday but pushed it off at the last minute, leading to further anger and frustration.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu attends the debate and vote on legislation regarding haredi enlistment in the military, in the Knesset plenum, last week.

'Shifa should become October 7 museum': Gaza resettlement caucus convenes

Knesset members attended a meeting regarding the resettlement of the Gaza Strip as outlined by Zionist goals of Jewish settlement in all of Israel.

 Right-wing Israelis march in support of settlements in the Gaza Strip, February 29, 2024

'With love and appreciation, Yahya Sinwar': Bouquet sent to Benny Gantz's office

"Hamas wants to divide the residents of the State of Israel to harm them, Gantz is giving them exactly what they want with his actions," said RZP.

The bouquet outside Benny Gantz's office