Israel: Betzalel Smotrich, controversial ally of Binyamin Netanyahu

Betzalel Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionism party at a conference in Jerusalem in March 2021. AP - Sebastian Scheiner

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Benyamin Netanyahu has obtained a new agreement, the third, signed as part of the negotiation for the formation of the government with the far-right Religious Zionism party and its leader Betzalel Smotrich.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

“

 ”.

This is how Betzalel Smotrich, whose Religious Zionism party has just signed a coalition agreement, describes Benyamin Netanyahu, the prospective Prime Minister, in the recording of an internal debate of his party made public last month.

Smotrich does not mince his words and pushes his activism to the limit.

This led to him being arrested by the Shin Bet, Israel's counter-terrorism force, and imprisoned for three weeks following protests against the plan to disengage from Gaza and several settlements in the West Bank in 2005.

Born in a religious colony on the Golan Heights, he grew up in another settlement, Bet-El, in the center of the occupied West Bank.

A Member of Parliament since 2015, he has already served in an Israeli government chaired by Netanyahu as Minister of Transport.

A controversial political figure due to his intolerant views towards Palestinians, homosexuals, the Israeli left and Reform Judaism. 

Betsalel Smotrich, who is a member of the Israeli bar, intends to work in particular for the annexation of Palestinian territories and for the reform of the Israeli judicial system.

“ 

 ,” he said.

In this coalition to form a government with Netanyahu, Religious Zionism should thus obtain the portfolio of Finance and that of Immigration.

He will also obtain “functions” in the branch of the Ministry of Defense in charge of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Netanyahu still has to sign agreements with the two ultra-Orthodox parties before he can present his government.

► To read also: Israel: former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu wins the legislative elections

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• Israel

• Binyamin Netanyahu