Moshe Feiglin: A Political Comeback Years in the Making

For decades, Moshe Feiglin has been one of the more unconventional and controversial figures in Israeli politics.

An activist, author, former member of the Knesset and founder of the Zehut political movement, Feiglin has repeatedly challenged the political establishment — including leaders of Israel's own political right.

Now, after years outside parliament, he is poised to return.

Ahead of Israel's October 27 election, Feiglin secured second place on the joint Religious Zionism–Zehut list headed by Bezalel Smotrich.

With the alliance projected to win six seats, Feiglin's return to the Knesset appears highly likely, pending final results.

An Unusual Political Philosophy

Feiglin first gained national prominence during the 1990s as a leader of the Zo Artzeinu movement, which opposed the Oslo Accords.

He subsequently joined Likud, challenged Benjamin Netanyahu for the party leadership and entered the Knesset in 2013.

After leaving Likud, he founded Zehut in 2015.

His political platform brought together ideas not normally associated with one another: a strong emphasis on Jewish identity and national sovereignty, free-market economics, personal liberties and proposals to reduce government bureaucracy.

In the 2019 election campaign, Zehut also attracted attention for advocating cannabis legalization, but ultimately failed to cross the electoral threshold.

From Political Outsider to Potential Minister

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, Feiglin increasingly argued that Israel needed a fundamental transformation of its security doctrine.

He has advocated major changes in Israeli policy toward Gaza and the Palestinians, proposals that remain highly contentious and have drawn strong criticism.

Feiglin has also expressed his ambition to become Israel's next defense minister.

That ambition is far from assured. Coalition negotiations, competing demands from other parties and the uncertain outcome of the election will determine whether he receives any ministerial appointment.

Nevertheless, his political comeback is significant.

For his supporters, Feiglin represents ideological consistency and a willingness to challenge established thinking. For his critics, his hardline proposals raise serious concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and democratic values.

Whether he becomes a minister or an opposition lawmaker, Moshe Feiglin has demonstrated that a political career once considered finished can return to the national stage.