Smotrich and Feiglin Talks on Verge of Collapse Over List Placements

Negotiations between Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit chairman Moshe Feiglin are reportedly nearing a breaking point due to significant disagreements over the composition of their joint electoral list. A senior source within Otzma Yehudit told "Srugim" on Monday that while reports of substantial progress have circulated, major gaps remain, pushing the talks close to collapse.

Recent reports indicated an agreement for Feiglin to take the second spot on the list, but disputes persist over additional placements for Otzma Yehudit candidates. Feiglin is reportedly demanding spots 8, 10, and 12. However, the disagreements are broader, with Otzma Yehudit seeking two positions within the top seven, citing their electoral strength and potential to bring new voters to the combined list. They argue this warrants greater representation.

A key sticking point involves spots 11 and 12. Religious Zionism aims to dilute Otzma Yehudit's presence further down the list, while Otzma Yehudit insists on a "zigzag" pattern of alternating candidates from both parties starting from the tenth position, a demand Smotrich has rejected.

An attempt to bridge the gap involved a proposal for an additional Otzma Yehudit seat to be secured via the "Norwegian Law," compensating for a lower list position. However, Otzma Yehudit is hesitant, citing uncertainty about joining the next coalition and thus relying on the law for Knesset entry.

Otzma Yehudit believes the union is more than a tactical move to save votes; they expect it to attract new demographics. They feel Smotrich desires a union where Feiglin is highly placed, but other Otzma Yehudit members are relegated to distant spots, leading to a sentiment that he wants a "small and weak" Otzma Yehudit. The current offer has been on the table since Wednesday night, with limited progress despite several discussions. Former MK Michael Ben Ari's involvement is also noted, though his final placement is uncertain. The senior Otzma Yehudit source concluded that unless Smotrich agrees to expand Otzma Yehudit's representation beyond Feiglin and a few distant candidates, the talks could still collapse.