More grist for the mill. Religion and politics are a toxic mix. Critics of Israel have a point when they cast a critical eye on Israeli society as a whole. But as a social sector, religious Zionists are the only ones in Israel who oppose a hostage deal, one that everyone knows will end the war against Hamas in Gaza. These are the ones from those communities screaming about a deal that will bring the hostages home. I will start with this link here and build up this post over time. But the big question. What happens to religious Zionist communities if the war ends with hostages home and the reconstruction of Gaza, and no settlements. What did all the soldiers from the community die for? And how do their friends and family come to terms with that?
Not sure that’s accurate, Zak. It’s large swaps of the right (incl my Netan-yahoo-ist part of the family). The diff may be organizational and political but I’m not sure it’s ideological or political-theological, as you imply.
sure, sure, and, yes, there’s an interesting tension between “society” and “politics.” And yes, i know there’s this thing called the secular right. But I’m mostly interested in the politics and the toxic religious element .Re: society, polling indicates overwhelming support for a deal (and “everyone” understands this means the end of the war). Polling also suggests overwhelming opposition to the current government dominated by religious parties. The solid core of the opposition to the deal and support for this government is religious-Zionist and settlements
You are understating the problem. The hostage deal doesn’t just mean “the war ends with hostages home and the reconstruction of Gaza, and no settlements.”
The primary objections of religious Zionists to the deal are security based and not really religious. They claim that the terrorists released will kill many more Israelis, the warped incentives the deal creates mean that many more Israelis will be taken hostage in the future, and the fact that Hamas remains in control of Gaza even after October 7 will harm Israel’s strategic position and invite more attacks.
When these claims are inevitably proven to be correct (as in every previous hostage deal), the questions you raise in the end about the community’s sacrifices during the war will be even more painful.