Otzma Yehudit
Otzma Yehudit is a right-wing Zionist political party in Israel led by Itamar Ben Gvir, currently serving as a key component of the governing coalition with a focus on national security, judicial reform, and Jewish sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Strength) is a prominent right-wing political party that has become a central pillar of Israel's national security and settlement policy. Led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, the party advocates for a robust security posture, the expansion of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, and significant reforms to the Israeli judicial system. Since joining the 37th government, the party has leveraged its position to influence internal security policy, including the establishment of the National Guard and increased funding for heritage sites in Judea and Samaria.
Historically rooted in the ideological lineage of Rabbi Meir Kahane, the modern iteration of the party under Ben Gvir has sought to broaden its appeal while maintaining a hardline stance on counter-terrorism and national identity. The party's platform emphasizes the 'Jewish character' of the state and frequently clashes with adversarial political factions, such as Balad, whom it accuses of supporting terrorism. Recently, Otzma Yehudit has been active in seeking the disqualification of Arab MKs who praised the October 7 massacre, framing such actions as essential for national integrity.
In the current political landscape, Otzma Yehudit maintains a stable base of support, consistently polling around 9 seats. The party has also been involved in internal coalition dynamics, occasionally competing for the same voter base as Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. Despite facing disqualification attempts from left-wing parties like The Democrats, Otzma Yehudit continues to expand its political infrastructure, reportedly recruiting activists and elected officials from other right-wing factions to consolidate its influence within the nationalist camp. Its representatives, such as MK Zvi Sukkot and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliahu, are active in promoting the party's agenda across security and cultural spheres.