Smotrich and Feiglin Announce Joint Run for Upcoming Elections

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich, and Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin, announced Tuesday they will run together in the upcoming elections. In a joint statement, they stated the union aims to prevent the loss of right-wing votes and consolidate a broad bloc to ensure a strong right-wing government. Smotrich emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming elections for Israel's future, including security, settlement, the justice system, and preventing a Palestinian state. He stressed the responsibility to unite forces and avoid wasting votes, welcoming Feiglin's participation despite acknowledged differences.

Feiglin echoed the sentiment, stating their joint run maximizes the national and faithful camp's strength. He assured supporters that their votes and values would be represented, urging the public to rally behind the joint list for the sake of Israel's land, security, and freedom. He highlighted the need for national responsibility and a united front, promising decisive action and victory.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been attempting to broker other right-wing mergers. Reports indicate Netanyahu offered Itamar Ben-Gvir a spot on the Likud list in exchange for uniting with Smotrich. Netanyahu is also reportedly trying to pressure Ofer Winter to unite with Smotrich, with media personality Yaakov Bardugo assisting in these efforts. Ben-Gvir has rejected these overtures, stating his Otzma Yehudit party will not run with Religious Zionism, a decision the Likud party criticized as potentially leading to a left-wing government.

Separately, a new party called "Tehiya" was registered, led by Elkanah Federman, son of West Bank settler activist Noam Federman. Federman, who was injured during the Nova music festival massacre on October 7th, stated his experience motivated him to enter politics, seeking a more responsible and results-oriented political approach.