Noam Party Leader Avi Maoz Weighs Election Strategy and Future Role

Five days before the deadline for submitting Knesset lists, Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, has not yet committed to whether his party will run independently or join another list. In an interview with Srugim, Maoz stated that his party is preparing for an independent run while simultaneously holding discussions with other parties, movements, and public groups. "We are operating on two levels," Maoz said. "On one hand, we are preparing for an independent run until the end, and on the other hand, we are working on alliances with various groups. All options are open."

Maoz confirmed he is in contact with figures from Otzma Yehudit, including Michael Ben-Ari and Baruch Marzel, and the Achie party of Rabbi Aberjil, but declined to provide details. He indicated that Noam might join a technical bloc but would not align with any group intending to join a government with the left after the elections. When asked if he would withdraw if polls showed Noam far from the electoral threshold, he responded, "Talk to me then and you'll get an answer." He dismissed discussions about wasted votes as irrelevant at this stage, stating, "Votes are only wasted on election day. Talk to me five days before the election, and then we'll see if we have a chance."

Recalling the 2022 elections, when Benjamin Netanyahu visited Rabbi Tzvi Tau shortly before the list submission deadline to prevent Noam from running independently, Maoz noted the situation is different this time. "There are no pressures or requests to go to Rabbi Tau right now." Maoz emphasized that Rabbi Tau has the final say on the party's fundamental decisions, stating, "I present all the data to my teacher and rabbi, Rabbi Tau, and he makes the decision." He added that Noam would recommend Netanyahu for prime minister, calling him "the leader of the religious-right camp," and that Noam's strength is also intended "to force the prime minister not to go with [Benny] Gantz and the left."

Maoz estimated his electoral strength at at least two mandates, aiming for four, and expressed a desire to be Minister of Education. He acknowledged unfulfilled promises from the previous term, attributing it to his limited political power and claiming "nothing from the coalition agreement" on Jewish identity and state-religion issues was honored. If appointed Education Minister, he plans reforms including equal budgets for all students, opening registration zones, increasing transparency for external programs, and enhancing parental choice in schools and curriculum content. He also suggested that women identified with a "all honor is the daughter of the king within" approach could be placed in the top five of the party list, a move he said was encouraged by Rabbi Tau and could help Noam reach a wider audience.

Regarding the conscription of Haredim, Maoz reiterated his stance that those who do not study Torah should be drafted, but the IDF must ensure they remain observant. He argued that Torah study is a right, not a burden, and its contribution to the nation is equal to or greater than military service or working. He also defended three Givati Brigade soldiers disciplined for refusing to board a vehicle with a female paramedic, stating they deserve commendation, not jail, and that they informed commanders of their inability to perform the task under the circumstances. While he opposes women serving in the IDF, he expressed admiration for female soldiers.