Smotrich Advances Party List After Failed Union Talks with Ofer Winter
The National Religious Party is moving forward with its electoral list after negotiations for a potential union with Ofer Winter's party failed to materialize. Party officials stated that leader Bezalel Smotrich had delayed finalizing the list, holding open spots for a possible merger with Winter's faction, aimed at consolidating the right-wing vote ahead of elections.
However, according to the party, it now appears Winter has decided to run independently. Consequently, Smotrich is expected to resume evaluating candidates for reserved spots on the National Religious Party's list, utilizing the chairman's reserved slots.
The National Religious Party criticized Winter's reported decision, calling an independent run "an irresponsible gamble on the future of right-wing rule and the State of Israel." The party had believed a joint list with Winter could strengthen their bloc and mitigate the risk of vote splitting among similar right-wing audiences.