Netanyahu Welcomes Alliance Between Religious Zionism and Zehut Parties

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed a significant political alliance between the Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party. The agreement will see the two parties run together in upcoming elections.

Netanyahu stated, "I welcome and am pleased with the important union between Religious Zionism, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and the Zehut movement, led by Moshe Feiglin. They have demonstrated national responsibility." He added, "We must not lose a single right-wing vote!"

The merger is seen as a result of Netanyahu's efforts to encourage smaller right-wing parties to consolidate their efforts. This strategy aims to prevent the loss of votes that occurs when individual parties fail to cross the electoral threshold of 3.25%. Religious Zionism has recently been hovering around this threshold, while Zehut currently holds less than 1% of the support.

Notably, Itamar Ben-Gvir refused to merge his Otzma Yehudit party with Smotrich's faction. Former IDF General Ofer Winter also rejected Netanyahu's call for consolidation.