Smotrich Appoints Wounded Gaza Veteran Itamar Eitam to Religious Zionism List
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Lt. Col. (res.) Itamar Eitam, a severely wounded Gaza veteran and educator, will join the Religious Zionism party list for the 26th Knesset.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich announced on Tuesday the inclusion of Lt. Col. (res.) Itamar Eitam in the party's electoral list for the 26th Knesset. Eitam is an educator, reserve battalion commander, and IDF veteran who was severely wounded in the Gaza Strip during the Swords of Iron war.
Military Service and Leadership
Since the outbreak of the war, Eitam commanded the reconnaissance battalion of the Bislamach Brigade, leading it in combat in both Gaza and Lebanon. During the clashes, he sustained serious injuries from sniper fire. Following his recovery, Eitam returned to command the battalion and lead his soldiers on the battlefield. Since October 7, he has served nearly 700 days in reserve duty and co-founded the "Reservists of the Victory Generation" movement, as well as leading the "Wounded Warriors for Victory" movement.
Eitam, a married father of six, was born and raised in the Golan Heights and currently resides in the Lower Galilee. He is a graduate of the Hispin High School Yeshiva and the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli, and holds a master's degree in national security from Bar-Ilan University. Today, he works as an educator in youth villages and informal educational frameworks. Itamar is the son of Brig. Gen. (res.) and former minister Effi Eitam, who formerly served as chairman of the National Religious Party (Mafdal).
Reactions to the Appointment
«I welcome the joining of Israeli hero Itamar Eitam to the Religious Zionism team in the next Knesset. Itamar represents the wonderful victory generation of the Jewish people that revealed itself in all its glory precisely out of the terrible fracture», said Smotrich.
He added: «With courage and determination, he led his fighters on the battlefield, was severely wounded, and returned to fight. He will bring this spirit of heroism and resolution into public life, and we will work together with determination for Israel's security, the advancement of settlement, the Jewish development of the Negev and the Galilee, and the education of the future generation of the Jewish people».
Itamar Eitam stated: «After years of mission on the battlefield and in the educational system, I choose to continue that same mission in the public arena for the sake of the entire nation of Israel. I am joining Religious Zionism today, the only party that connects the values of love for the Torah, the people, and the land, out of a deep commitment to ensuring that the sacrifice and heroism of our fighters will lead to victory and a decisive outcome against our enemies».
He concluded: «Together with Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the members of Religious Zionism, I will work to strengthen reservists and IDF servicemen, for the security of Israel, settlement, education, and the spirit of victory of the people of Israel».
Background and Future Goals
The entry of Eitam into the political scene marks a significant step for the Religious Zionism faction as it prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The party emphasizes its strong ties to the reserve forces, security leadership, and educational initiatives across the country.
