Smotrich faces settler backlash over draft law

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Israel — Religious Zionism party, faces a political survival fight ahead of the October 27 election after angering West Bank settlers by supporting a law that would prevent arrests of ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse military service. The law, passed by parliament but blocked by the Israel — Supreme Court of Israel, has exposed deep fault lines within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Smotrich argues that arrests would divide Jews, but critics within his own settler base accuse him of betraying Israel — Religious Zionism values. Opinion polls suggest Israel — Religious Zionism may fail to pass the electoral threshold, and Netanyahu is reportedly considering a merger with Itamar Ben-Gvir's party to secure Smotrich's political future. The controversy highlights the fragility of the coalition as Israel heads to its first election since the Gaza war began.