Question

Religious Zionism is gaining popularity.

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www.israelnationalnews.com/news/383958

Answer 1

The claim that says religious zionism is gaining popularity is true. In an article posted on June 21st 2024 by the Reset Dialogues says that, "approximately 22 percent of the jewish population identifies with this movement in a broad sense." However, this poll was taken over three different groups, with both similar and different views. The three groups are, the hardalim, datiim, and the liberals. In each of these groups they are trying to gain political representation. Additionally, the groups also share different views on Zionism. Although zionism is gaining popularity it is being viewed differently by different groups

https://www.resetdoc.org/story/growing-weight-religious-zionism-israel-war-gaza/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20in%202023%2C%20the%20%E2%80%9C,differences%2C%20however%2C%20are%20significant.  

Comments

Is this source relevant today? The source is from 2024. I found a more recent article on this topic. https://www.timesofisrael.com/religious-zionism-hq-erupts-in-joy-as-exit-polls-indicate-strong-showing/

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I appreciate your honesty throughout your response to the claim the additional information you added also was very well thought out. The inclusion of evidence to suport your thoughts was very nice to read. Your ending statement where you agree with the claim, you also offer a additional thought point of “viewed differently by different groups”.

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You make a good point that religious Zionism is gaining popularity, but the 22% number in the article needs more context. It combines three very different groups who don’t all see Zionism the same way. Just calling them all “religious Zionists” can be misleading. For example, some want a more religious government, while others support keeping religion and democracy balanced. So yes, the movement is growing, but it’s not one united group—it’s made up of people with very different ideas.

Answer 2

Recent data has shown that religious Zionism is showing signs of increased support in Israeli politics, with projections suggesting they could win size seats in the Knesset. However, this support appears somewhat volatile, as potential leadership changes in other parties could affect their standing. While there is evidence of some growth in their base, religious Zionism remains a relatively small faction compared to major parties like National Unity and Likud, making it important to view their recent gains within the broader context of Israeli political dynamics. 

Poll: Religious Zionism gaining popularity | Israel National News

Religious Zionism HQ erupts in joy as exit polls indicate strong showing | The Times of Israel

Comments

You did a good job in your analysis in polling data and showing how Religious Zionism’s support has fluctuated. One thing I’d do is to think more about is what drives that volatility. Adding some context about the broader political climate in Israel like reactions to security concerns or coalition dynamics could help us understand a bit more.

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I really liked the way that you explained and described the specific details of "popularity" and how it is shown to be volatile. I also thought the way you commented on how it is still important to look at. The sources you used also gave a greater insight into the claim.

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You made a good point by catching that the claim might be a bit exaggerated. I liked how you recognized that Religious Zionism is growing, but still put it in perspective by pointing out they’re not on the same level as the major parties yet. That kind of balance is hard to do sometimes, but it really helps your factcheck feel fair and grounded. Well done!

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You did a great job explaining the basis of religious Zionism's support and how, although there is a small increase in support in Israeli politics, the claim that it is gaining popularity is misleading and exaggerated because of potential leadership changes. I enjoyed how you used background information to support your ideas and connected them well.

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You say, "recent data," but your sources are from 2024 and 2021, respectively. Do you think they are relevant today and to this fact-check?

Answer 3

Religious Zionism has increasingly shaped Israel’s political and social landscape, intertwining religious beliefs with Zionist ideology to emphasize the divine significance of Jewish sovereignty (Low, 2014). Historically, modern Zionism was largely secular, but religious Zionists view the establishment of Israel as a step toward messianic fulfillment. Over time, this movement has gained influence in government, education, and military sectors, with religious Zionist leaders playing key roles in shaping national policies (Jerusalem Post, 2019). The tension between maintaining a Jewish identity and upholding democratic values remains a central debate, as religious Zionists navigate their vision for Israel’s future (Israel Democracy Institute, 2019).

Sources:

Religious & Zionist | My Jewish Learning

 (Low, 2014)

How did Religious Zionism become a pillar of Israel? - Israel news - The Jerusalem Post

(Jerusalem Post, 2019)

The Blogs: Four questions for religious Zionists, and the answers that can save Israel | Tehila Friedman | The Times of Israel

 (Israel Democracy Institute, 2019)