As the United States awaits the final results of its latest election, Israel’s right-wing Religious Zionism bloc has shown a clear preference for former President Donald Trump’s return to office. Led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the bloc, which forms a key part of Israel’s coalition government, has openly expressed enthusiasm for a potential Trump win, signaling deep ideological alignment with his policies.
Finance Minister Smotrich took to Twitter, posting, “God bless Israel. God bless America,” a message that resonated with his base and was widely interpreted as tacit support for Trump. The tweet, though not directly naming Trump, reflected the bloc’s gratitude for the former president’s support of Israeli sovereignty during his time in office. Similarly, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Strength) faction within the bloc, echoed this sentiment, simply tweeting, “God Bless Trump.”
Support for Trump within the Religious Zionism alliance comes as no surprise. Trump’s prior administration was marked by policies highly favorable to Israel’s right wing, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and support for Israeli claims over certain contested areas. Many in Israel’s right-wing circles view Trump as an indispensable ally whose policies align closely with their vision for Israel’s future, both in terms of security and sovereignty.
The statements by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, prominent figures within Israel’s current government, underscore the geopolitical implications of the U.S. election outcome, as a Trump victory could strengthen the policies and international stances Israel’s right-wing factions support. With the final election results still pending, Israel’s right-leaning leaders are watching intently, hopeful that a renewed Trump administration might bolster their agenda and reinforce the close ties between Israel and the U.S.