Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that he sees himself as a serious future candidate to lead Israel once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves the political stage.

Speaking on Avi Shushan’s “Hakol Patuach” podcast, Smotrich said the experience he has gained in the current government has prepared him for the country’s top job.

“I think I am gaining more experience every year,” Smotrich said. “During this term, I gained tremendous experience. The finance minister is perhaps the third most important figure in the government — navigating the economy through turbulent waters and serving as a senior partner in managing the war in the limited security cabinet.”

Asked directly whether he would seek the premiership after Netanyahu, Smotrich replied, “I definitely think I am one of the realistic candidates in the national camp for the day after Netanyahu.”

Smotrich rejected the argument that his Religious Zionism party is too sectoral to produce a prime minister, saying efforts to portray it as a niche party are intended to weaken its influence.

“I do not think Religious Zionism should be a niche party,” he said. “What hurts me most is that people deliberately try to make us smaller.”

He said his conduct during the war demonstrated that he acts on behalf of the entire country, not only the Religious Zionist community.

“I did not manage the economy and the war for Religious Zionism,” Smotrich said. “I supported all of Israeli society.”

Smotrich also defended government support for Religious Zionist institutions and hesder yeshivos, saying they serve the broader national interest.

“The people of Israel now see this magnificent enterprise and its results,” he said. “They see these young men leading on the battlefield and, unfortunately, also filling the rows of the cemeteries.”

Asked whether Israeli voters are prepared to elect an openly religious, kippah-wearing prime minister, Smotrich said such a change would require time.

“I think this is a process that needs to happen,” he said. “Ultimately, a deep place of faith creates a worldview that does not change every morning and that people can rely on.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)