Binyamin Elon

Binyamin Elon

Binyamin Elon (November 10, 1954 – April 28, 2017) was an Israeli Orthodox rabbi, politician, and a member of the Knesset for the National Union and Moledet parties. He was known for his strong stance on the retention and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and his opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state. Elon served as Minister of Tourism for Israel and was a prominent figure in the Religious Zionist movement.

Early Life and Education

Binyamin (Benny) Elon was born in Jerusalem, to a family with deep roots in the city. His father, Menachem Elon, was a distinguished rabbi and judge who served as the deputy president of the Supreme Court of Israel. Binyamin Elon received his rabbinical ordination after studying at the prestigious Merkaz HaRav yeshiva, a center for Religious Zionist thought and learning in Jerusalem.

Political Career

Elon's political career began in the late 1990s when he was elected to the Knesset as a member of the Moledet party, which advocated for the voluntary transfer of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza to Arab countries as a solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Throughout his time in the Knesset, Elon was known for his legislative efforts to strengthen Jewish settlement in the West Bank and his vocal opposition to any concessions to the Palestinians in peace negotiations.

In 2001, Elon was appointed as Minister of Tourism, a position he used to promote Israel as a tourist destination, despite the challenges posed by the Second Intifada. His tenure was marked by efforts to boost the Israeli tourism industry and improve its image abroad.

Elon was also a key figure in the development of the Road map for peace, an international plan aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, he was a vocal critic of the plan, arguing that it made too many concessions to the Palestinians and did not adequately ensure the security and territorial integrity of Israel.

Later Life and Death

After leaving politics, Elon continued to be active in educational and religious initiatives, focusing on the promotion of Jewish heritage and the importance of the Land of Israel in Jewish tradition. He passed away on April 28, 2017, after a long battle with an illness.

Legacy

Binyamin Elon is remembered as a passionate advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. His contributions to Israeli politics, particularly his efforts to strengthen the Jewish presence in the West Bank, have left a lasting impact on the country's political landscape. Despite controversy surrounding some of his views, Elon's dedication to his beliefs and his work in promoting Israel and its history are widely recognized.