The Hyphen Cannot Hold Contemporary Trends in Religious-Zionism Hayim Katsman ABSTRACT: This article presents an innovative sociological framework to discuss recent social, ideological, and religious trends within the Religious-Zionist sector in Israel. The article challenges the preva- lent conceptualization of Religious-Zionism as a sui generis ideology. Contrary to researchers who emphasize the synthesis of religion and Zionism in the Religious-Zionist ideology, the author argues that the Religious-Zionist identity is based primarily on social connections (kin- ship, geographical, institutional) between the members of the group. The author uses this approach to make sense of recent Religious- Zionist trends: post-Zionism, the ‘religious-lite’, Orthodox feminism, and neo-liberalism. KEYWORDS: Kookism, nationalism, religion, religious-nationalism, Reli- gious-Zionism, social connections When Yosef Burg, the leader of the National Religious Party (NRP) during the 1970s, was asked what is more important in the Religious-Zionist iden- tity—Jewish religion or Zionism—he replied: “The hyphen.” His response represents a traditional understanding of Religious-Zionism as a prag- matic ideology trying to bridge over the contrast between Orthodox Jew- ish religion and the secular Zionist movement. Since 2005, this moderate approach has been constantly contested by Religious-Zionist individuals, and the traditional Religious-Zionist leadership is facing a severe ideologi- cal crisis. Internal debates have polarized the movement to the extent that it is impossible to fnd even one issue that all Religious-Zionists would agree upon. Moreover, the Religious-Zionist sphere of infuence now includes individuals and groups that are not necessarily religious or Zionist. How Israel Studies Review, Volume 35, Issue 2, Autumn 2020: 154–174 © Association for Israel Studies doi:10.3167/isr.2020.350210 • ISSN 2159-0370 (Print) • ISSN 2159-0389 (Online)