Smotrich Defends Alliance with Feiglin, Urges Unity on Right

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed past remarks calling Moshe Feiglin "unhinged," stating that the recent technical alliance between their parties, Religious Zionism and Zehut, was necessary to prevent vote wastage. Smotrich emphasized that agreement on every issue is not required for such coalitions, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

Smotrich criticized Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir's refusal to join the alliance, calling it a "grave mistake." He warned that internal transfers of mandates within the right-wing bloc would weaken its overall strength, prioritizing national responsibility over personal or party gains.

Addressing Ofer Winter, head of the new "Imcha Yisrael" party, Smotrich urged him not to "take risks with Israel's future," seeking responsibility rather than an apology. Smotrich also commented on Rabbi Shlomo Aviner's controversial statement that a non-Jew cannot lead, regarding Yosef Haddad, an Arab-Israeli candidate on Winter's list. Smotrich affirmed that Haddad, a Zionist who served in the IDF, has a place on the list and that the party has no issue with non-Jewish members.

The article also briefly mentions ongoing discussions among smaller right-wing parties about potential mergers and frustration within the Yesh Atid party regarding their campaign management.