The Marker’s annual “100 Most Influential” reveals how Israel’s political and religious Zionist leaders are shaping the country’s direction — with Netanyahu, Smotrich, and settler leadership at the forefront.
Israeli financial daily The Marker has published its prestigious list of the 100 most influential figures of the past year, highlighting the power players driving Israel’s politics, economy, and public debate.
At the very top was Wizz CEO Asaf Rappaport, recognized for his role in revolutionizing Israel’s tech and aviation landscape. But politics took center stage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ranking third, followed immediately by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in fourth — signaling their dominant grip on Israel’s strategic direction.
Among the other highlights:
- 13th place: Journalists Amit Segal and Yinon Magal, controversially labeled “They forgot how to be journalists.”
- 19th place: Governors Israel Ganz and Yossi Dagan, described as “the strongest lobby in the Knesset.” Their presence reflects the growing influence of Judea and Samaria leadership.
- 20th place: Shai Aharonovitz (Tax Authority Director) and Amir Dahan (Property Tax Director).
- 29th place: Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, showing he remains relevant despite political retirement.
- 31st place: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a lightning rod for attention and policy influence.
- 43rd place: Rabbis of Religious Zionism — Rabbi Chaim Gantz, Rabbi David Dudkavitz, Rabbi Shimon Cohen, Rabbi Chaim Yerucham Smotrich — dubbed “the Council of Sages of Religious Zionism.”
- 52nd place: Hanmal Dorfman and Bentzi Gupstein, known for their unapologetic nationalist activism.
- 73rd place: Religious Zionist leaders Orit Strook, Amichai Eliyahu, and Tzvi Sukkot, under the headline “Hardline ideologues shaping a strategy for Israel.”
- 77th place: Yehuda Eliyahu (Settlement Administration head), Sheria Damsky (chief of staff to Finance Minister Smotrich), and Yisrael Malachi (Deputy Director-General, Finance Ministry).
The list paints a striking picture: while Israel’s tech economy continues to grow in power, Religious Zionism and pro-sovereignty leadership have cemented their position as a decisive force in shaping Israel’s future.
