Religious Zionist Party

Shas pushes tone-deaf Torah study law while soldiers die in Lebanon, Gaza - comment

Those who see Torah study as essential should acknowledge the unique burden borne by those who leave their lives behind to defend the country, and that yeshiva study is not a comparable sacrifice.

|ByHERB KEINON
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector has been protesting over the attempts to draft young haredi men into the military.
Fiance Minsiter Bezalel Smotrich and members of the Religious Zionist Party as Knesset passes law for West Bank settlements to receive tax benefits.

Knesset approves tax benefits for West Bank settlements amid opposition criticism

The Knesset approved a bill granting tax benefits to West Bank settlements, with Finance Minister Smotrich calling it recognition for residents living under a security threat.

|ByKESHET NEEV
Attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara at a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting at the Knesset, in the Israeli parliament on September 30, 2025.

Knesset passes first reading of controversial bill to split attorney-general's role - explainer

Supporters say the bill restores power to elected officials; critics say it would weaken the state’s central legal gatekeeper.

|BySARAH BEN-NUN
Dr. Tzvika Mor (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, May 26, 2026.

Father of released hostage Eitan Mor joins Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party

“Tzvika Mor is an inspiring figure and an essential courageous voice in Israeli public life. A person who more than anything embodies our wonderful Religious Zionist public,” Smotrich said.

|ByKESHET NEEV

Smotrich freezes NIS 200m. destined for Arab sector

Many Arab communities currently lack classrooms and schools – approximately 305 are needed throughout the country – and part of the grant was intended for constructing schools.

AUGUST 6, 2023ByTROY O. FRITZHAND
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is seen at a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, in Jerusalem, on July 19, 2023.

Religious Zionism to merge with Jewish Home

Jewish Home has millions of shekel in debt, which the joint party will now share the burden of together.

AUGUST 3, 2023ByTROY O. FRITZHAND
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is seen at a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, in Jerusalem, on July 19, 2023.

Is a crisis brewing in Netanyahu's coalition? - analysis

Could Netanyahu be putting the government’s stability in the hands of the people who want him out?

AUGUST 3, 2023ByTROY O. FRITZHAND
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are among cabinet ministers attending a state budget meeting, earlier this year.

Right-wing Israeli caucus pushes for return to 1967 war strategy

The Israel Victory Caucus, comprising right-wing lawmakers and security officials, advocates for a significant change in Israel's conflict resolution strategies.

AUGUST 3, 2023ByDEBBIE MOHNBLATT/THE MEDIA LINE, HANNAH LEVIN/THE MEDIA LINE
Rabbi Leo Dee speaks at a meeting of the Israel Victory Caucus, at the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 12, 2023.

Likud minister says 'zealots' pushing 'extreme legislation' and protests

Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer also called for restraint by coalition members to restore calm and strengthen solidarity.

JULY 28, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his cabinet in Jerusalem.

Senior member of Religious Zionist party jabs at Ben-Gvir

"They will eat salads," he sniped, "create provocations, and divide the nation, while we will continue to lead the judicial system's reform responsibly."

JULY 24, 2023ByMAARIV ONLINE
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Head of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Simcha Rothman speak as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023.

Gantz's party leads, Netanyahu's coalition wanes - KAN News poll

A particularly contentious issue addressed in the poll was the passing of the reasonableness clause. The findings indicate that 46% of the respondents are against it, while 35% are in favor. 

JULY 24, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
National Unity Party leader MK Benny Gantz is seen addressing the Knesset plenum during a discussion regarding the reasonableness standard bill, in Jerusalem, on July 23, 2023.

Four MKs apply to vacant Judicial Selection Committee spot as repeat vote nears

The opposition does not intend to appoint one of its members to the committee, but put forward two candidates in order to prevent an attempt by the coalition to delay the vote once again.

JULY 4, 2023ByELIAV BREUER
The Law Committee votes on changes to the Judicial Selection Committee.

Israeli settlement founder Rabbi Riskin talks 40 years of Efrat

The ‘Magazine’ sat down with founding father Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin and wife Vicky to discuss the celebrated realization of their vision, and their concerns.

JULY 1, 2023ByZVIKA KLEIN
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin laid the cornerstone for Efrat in 1980, occupancy began in 1983.

Shas, Otzma Yehudit face off over controversial Chief Rabbinate bills

Shas controls both offices that have the most influence on religious services – the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Interior Ministry.

JUNE 27, 2023ByELIAV BREUER
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security and head of the Otzma Yehudit political party gives a press statement during a party meeting in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, May 3, 2023.