Israeli settlers, ultra-Orthodox celebrate Donald Trump’s victory

Following weeks of prayers for his victory, Israeli settlers and ultra-Orthodox communities celebrated Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election on Wednesday.

Simcha Rothman, a Knesset member from the Religious Zionism Party and a prominent settler leader, opened the weekly meeting of the Constitution, Justice, and Law Committee with a prayer of thanks for Trump’s success. Rothman expressed gratitude, saying, "King of kings, God bless him, thank you," and sent blessings on behalf of Israel to Trump.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism Party, was one of the first Israeli officials to publicly congratulate Trump, posting on X, "God bless Israel; God bless the United States."

Channel 14, a television station affiliated with the Israeli far right and settler movement, celebrated Trump's win live. Anchors and panel participants raised glasses to toast Trump as election results were announced.

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Jewish Heritage Meir Porush from the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism Party remarked on Trump’s victory, stating, "A king's heart is in God's hand. President Trump proved in his previous term that he is a true friend of the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. We all pray and expect that this trend will continue more strongly in the coming term."

Ultra-Orthodox WhatsApp groups circulated a video of Sephardic spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef celebrating Trump’s victory with joy and relief. Several synagogues in West Bank settlements praised Trump's win during Wednesday's morning prayer, repeating a special blessing composed during the campaign.

Ultra-Orthodox media in Israel and the U.S. prominently displayed an image of Trump’s October 7, 2024, visit to the tomb of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson in New York. According to Ynet, this visit was arranged in part by former US Ambassador David Friedman, a pro-settlement advocate, and some followers of Rabbi Schneerson suggested that Trump’s victory was divinely assured due to his prayer there.

Ongoing settler campaign for Trump

Political analyst Attila Somfalvi noted on X that Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, campaigned in favor of Trump in both the US and Israel and is expected to remain close to Trump’s inner circle as the new administration takes shape.

Over recent months, Dagan traveled to various US swing states, meeting Jewish communities and rallying support for Trump. He also attended election rallies with Evangelical leaders in Texas and hosted Republican leaders and members of Congress in West Bank settlements.

Dagan, invited by Trump’s team to attend his 2016 inauguration, may again participate in the upcoming swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025.

Israel National News reported that Dagan and other settler leaders established "Jvote," a campaign to encourage U.S. citizens living in Israel to vote for Trump. This initiative included a dedicated call center reaching American voters in Israel via phone and text.

On Monday, settler leaders and Republican Party representative Marc Zell held a special service at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, praying for Trump’s success.