Finance Minister Prepares Alternative as Ben Gvir and Smotrich Unity Remains Unlikely
Despite Prime Minister Netanyahu's efforts to unite Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, the two ministers have firmly rejected the idea of a political alliance. Behind the scenes, both understand that a merger is not feasible at this time. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is already exploring alternatives to cooperation with Ben Gvir.
Negotiations have begun between Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionist Party, and Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Zehut party, to form a technical bloc. Zehut insists on a "ritz-ritz" arrangement for the candidate list, meaning alternating candidates from each party throughout the list. Zehut claims this alliance could add five additional Knesset seats beyond their current polling numbers.
According to reports, Zehut informed Smotrich that their internal polling indicates a joint list could increase their combined representation by five seats compared to their separate standings. This strategic move aims to strengthen the right-wing bloc ahead of upcoming elections, as the Finance Minister prepares to present this alternative to the political establishment.
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