Smotrich and Feiglin Negotiate Joint Technical Bloc Ahead of Israeli Elections

Religious Zionism party leader and minister Bezalel Smotrich is in advanced talks with Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin to run together in a technical bloc for the upcoming Israeli elections. The initiative emerges amid difficulties uniting right-wing parties, aiming to reshape the political bloc landscape. According to Channel 12 analyst Amit Segal, Feiglin is expected to secure the second spot on the joint list, considered a realistic position, along with additional reserved slots at eighth and tenth places, though final seat distribution remains unsettled.

The talks are driven by Religious Zionism's concern over failing to cross the electoral threshold, especially after the entry of Ofer Winter into politics, which has reportedly siphoned support and pushed the party near or below the threshold. Zehut currently estimates its electoral strength at about one mandate. For Smotrich, partnering with Feiglin could consolidate ideological right-wing votes and improve chances of surpassing the threshold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not directly involved in the negotiations but has been informed and supports the move in principle. Feiglin's Zehut party previously polled well in 2019 but failed to enter the Knesset after not passing the threshold on election day. Both Smotrich and Feiglin declined to comment on negotiation details but confirmed ongoing talks about possible electoral alliances.