Smotrich Cries Over Religious Zionist Sacrifices During War - Israel Politics

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich began crying while speaking at a press conference ahead of his party meeting on Monday.

Smotrich regretted the tidal wave of deaths among IDF soldiers but said special attention should be paid to their ideals.

He said the price of the war was disproportionately paid by the US Religious Zionist community.

“In recent days we have seen, read and heard heartbreaking stories about the fallen, including many reservists, including the elderly, fathers of many children, religious and secular, kibbutzniks and settlers, but we cannot ignore the fact that the religious Zionist community pays a price disproportionate to its population size, the highest price in this war.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich cries as he talks about the sacrifices of the Religious Zionist community during the war, October 28, 2024. (credit: KNESSET CHANNEL/SCREENSHOT)

Slander against religious Zionists

Smotrich began attacking the “slanders,” which seek to discredit his community as “lovers of death, messianists, delusions.”

He claimed that this slander came from the very fringes of Israeli society and that the majority of Israelis reject this slander against his community and those who denounce these statements.

Smotrich emphasized that the “overwhelming” majority of Israelis “cherish and appreciate” the contribution of the Religious Zionist community.

“Today, more than ever, I am proud to be part of this community, proud to promote the world of Torah, educational institutions, settlements, cooperation and piety. This is the environment from which emerge these courageous warriors who fight and sacrifice. for all of us,” he said as tears filled his eyes.