Smotrich and Feiglin Advance Talks for Joint Run in Upcoming Israeli Elections

Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich is in advanced negotiations with Otzma Yehudit leader Moshe Feiglin for a joint electoral list in the upcoming Israeli elections, according to journalist Amit Segal. These talks are separate from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initiative to unite Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, with Religious Zionism. The goal of the new alliance is to form a technical bloc that ensures passing the electoral threshold and prevents vote wastage on the right.

Under the emerging agreement, Feiglin is expected to receive the second spot on the list, considered a realistic position, as well as the eighth and tenth spots, though the final distribution of seats has not been settled. The negotiations gain significance amid Religious Zionism's current electoral challenges, especially following the entry of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter into politics, which has intensified competition for right-wing votes. Recent polls show Religious Zionism struggling to consistently cross the electoral threshold.

Feiglin's party, Zehut, previously ran in the 2019 elections, polling well in surveys but ultimately receiving about 3% of the vote and failing to pass the threshold. Current polls place Zehut at approximately 1%, a level that Smotrich's team believes justifies Feiglin's inclusion and reserved spots on the list. Netanyahu is reportedly aware of and supports the effort in principle to avoid splitting right-wing votes but is not directly involved in the talks. Both Smotrich and Feiglin have confirmed ongoing negotiations regarding potential electoral alliances but have not commented on specific details.