Smotrich's Past Doubts About Feiglin Emerge Amidst New Alliance

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, announced a joint run in the upcoming elections, aiming to unite the right-wing camp. Smotrich stated that despite differences, the priority is to strengthen the national camp and prevent the loss of right-wing votes, emphasizing the need for a strong right-wing government to protect Israel's security and future.

However, archival footage from the 2019 elections reveals a starkly different view from Smotrich regarding Feiglin. In a video from that election cycle, Smotrich was asked if he considered Feiglin a natural partner. He responded negatively, stating, "Unfortunately, no." When pressed to identify a natural partner between Feiglin and United Torah Judaism, Smotrich unequivocally chose United Torah Judaism, dismissing the idea of Feiglin as a partner.

In the same 2019 clip, Smotrich elaborated on his reservations about Feiglin, explaining that he did not see Feiglin joining a right-wing government. Smotrich expressed concern that Feiglin's platform could undermine the foundations of Torah and holiness in Israel, potentially impacting institutions like marriage and the sanctity of Shabbat, issues he believed a right-wing government would never compromise.