Newsflash: Religious Zionism is increasingly leaving its mark

Originally posted on October 24, 2025 – by Andre Piet

The recent incident surrounding the symbolic vote in the Knesset on the annexation of the West Bank once again highlights how great the influence of religious Zionists (ultra-right) within the Israeli coalition has become. While Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the vote as an “opposition provocation,” in reality, a majority from within his own coalition voted in favor of annexation.

For the Trump administration, this is extremely sensitive. Trump’s peace plan leaves no room for annexation of the West Bank, as this would be internationally unacceptable and would damage relations with Arab partners. At the same time, Trump cannot afford to ignore the religious Zionists; they are a crucial power bloc both within Israeli politics and within his own support base.

How will Trump navigate this tension? Can he keep the ultra-right on board without allowing annexation? Could the construction of a third temple – alongside the existing Islamic holy sites – offer a possible way to satisfy this movement?

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