Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has described Israel’s upcoming election as a historic crossroads, saying the results will shape the country’s security policy, relationship with the United States and approach to major domestic issues. JNS reports.

Speaking at a private gathering in Yerushalayim alongside Religious Zionist Party MK Ohad Tal, Smotrich addressed the war with Iran, Chareidi enlistment, economic matters and Israel’s policies in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s relationship with President Donald Trump, arguing that the alliance between the two leaders plays a central role in strategic decisions concerning Iran.

He also discussed the security importance of Judea and Samaria, stressing the strategic implications of the territory’s geography and warning against policies that could weaken Israel’s position there.

On the issue of Chareidi enlistment, Smotrich said efforts to increase military service must take into account the practical and social realities within the community and warned that heavy-handed measures could backfire.

MK Ohad Tal also addressed the gathering and warned right-wing voters about the risk of supporting smaller parties that may fail to cross the electoral threshold, potentially affecting the final bloc arithmetic in the Knesset.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)