Smotrich and Feiglin Unite Parties to Cross Election Threshold

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party and current Finance Minister, and Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, are set to announce a joint run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The two are expected to sign an agreement on Tuesday evening and will hold a joint press conference at the Religious Zionism headquarters at 7:15 PM. Feiglin is slated to be placed second on the unified list, with Zehut also securing additional spots higher up the list alongside current Religious Zionism Knesset members.

Smotrich unexpectedly cut short a tour in southern Israel due to "significant political developments" ahead of the announcement. This union aims to bolster Religious Zionism's strength and broaden its appeal to voters in the upcoming elections, particularly in light of recent polls suggesting the party might struggle to cross the electoral threshold. Feiglin's inclusion is anticipated to attract voters aligned with ideological right-wing positions and Zehut's economic stances.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the potential merger, stating, "This is the right move that ensures for them and for the bloc crossing the electoral threshold." He also urged Ofer Winter, whose party has not met the threshold in recent polls, to unite with Smotrich and Feiglin, emphasizing that "there is no room for a separate run for any party that does not cross the electoral threshold."