Smotrich and Feiglin Forge Alliance for Upcoming Knesset Elections

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich, and Zehut party leader Moshe Feiglin, announced a political alliance on Tuesday to run together on a single list in the upcoming Knesset elections. Under their agreement, Feiglin will be placed second on Smotrich's list, along with seats 8, 10, and 11. The alliance aims to overcome the electoral threshold, as polls suggest neither party would pass it if they ran separately. The partnership is described as technical, with separate campaign management and independent coalition negotiations post-election, should the list pass the threshold. Smotrich stated the election is crucial for the right-wing bloc's future, Israel's security, settlements, the judiciary, and preventing a Palestinian state. He emphasized the need to unite forces and prevent the loss of right-wing votes. Feiglin asserted their commitment to ensuring their values are fully represented and no votes are wasted. The leaders also left open the possibility of incorporating Ofir Ventur, head of the 'Am Yisrael' party, who would be offered the second seat, pushing Feiglin to third. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously offered Ventur's associates guaranteed spots on the Likud list if he agreed to unite. However, Ventur appeared to reject this, stating the public desires something new and that his movement would not serve as a shield for others at the expense of soldiers, promising new tidings for Israelis.