Uri Ariel Israeli politician Date of Birth: 22.12.1952 Country: Israel

1. Ariel, an Israeli Politician and Settler Advocate
2. Leadership in the Settlement Movement
3. Political Career and Controversies

Ariel, an Israeli Politician and Settler Advocate

Ariel is a prominent Israeli politician and Minister of Construction and Housing. He is a member of the Knesset for the Jewish Home party. Ariel served as a major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and after his military service, he became a key figure in the settlement movement.

Leadership in the Settlement Movement

In 1975, Ariel was among the founders of the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. He held various leadership positions within the settlement movement, including serving as the Secretary General of the Council of Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza from 1990 to 1996. Since 1997, he has been the mayor of the Beit El settlement.

Political Career and Controversies

Ariel entered the political arena in 1999 when he ran for the Knesset from the National Union party. Although his party initially failed to win enough votes, Ariel filled a vacant seat in 2001 and was subsequently re-elected in 2003 and 2006. He gained attention for his outspoken views, including his protest against German Chancellor Angela Merkel's use of German during a speech in the Knesset, referring to her as the "mother of Amalek," a biblical enemy of the Jewish people.