Who they are
Zohar was born in 1980 and sat on the Kiryat Gat city council for seven years, as a member and then deputy mayor. He entered the Knesset in 2015, was coalition chairman from 2020 to 2021, and has been culture and sport minister since December 2022. In 2026 he was questioned under caution in the Histadrut corruption inquiry on suspicion of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies involvement and has not been charged.
Positions and record
Judea and Samaria: Backs Israeli sovereignty there and opposes a Palestinian state.
Gaza: Said in 2025 that the aim of the offensive was full control of the Strip.
Film funding: Cut state funding for the Ophir Awards after a film about a Palestinian boy won best film.
Shabbat: Sponsored a bill barring business owners from being compelled to open on Shabbat.
Where they stand
Holds the party line on every issue.
Judea & Samariaparty linePro-settlement, no Palestinian state; annexation deferred
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineBacks the Trump plan on Israel's terms: disarm Hamas first
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineNegotiated arrangement with Haredi allies
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineAdvance override and appointments reform
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
Economyparty lineFree-market in name; raised VAT, grew coalition funds
Social spendingFree market
Educationparty lineWants the core-studies rule kept, but never used to cut funding
State runs the schoolsParents and communities
Religion & Stateparty lineStatus quo with religious partners
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & Citizenshipparty lineNation-State Law, Jewish self-determination only
Equal citizenshipJewish national state
