Smotrich Eyes Sderot Mayor Alon Davidai for Religious Zionism Party

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, is reportedly seeking to recruit Alon Davidai, the mayor of Sderot, to join his Knesset list for the upcoming elections. This move follows Smotrich's recent alliance with Moshe Feiglin and his Zehut party. Sources indicate that Smotrich aims to present a broader party list that extends beyond the traditional Religious Zionism base, attracting new voter demographics.

Discussions between Smotrich and Davidai are expected to take place soon, potentially leading to a meeting where the possibility of Davidai joining the list will be explored. If an agreement is reached, Davidai is anticipated to receive a senior position on the list and a significant role after the elections.

Davidai's name has been linked to national politics before. He was previously placed third on Naftali Bennett's Yamina party list in the 2021 elections but resigned before the Knesset was sworn in. He later became a vocal critic of Bennett's decision to form a government with Yair Lapid and the Ra'am party.

Davidai's background as mayor of Sderot, a city heavily impacted by the conflict with Gaza, particularly since October 7th, could appeal to voters in southern Israel. While recognized within the national-religious public, he is not exclusively identified with the settlement movement in Judea and Samaria. His potential inclusion could help Smotrich reach voters in the South, the traditional right-wing, and the Mizrahi (Eastern) public, thereby broadening the party's support base.