Smotrich Fails to Recruit Sderot Mayor for Religious Zionism Party List

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, has been attempting last-minute changes to his party's electoral list. Following a recent alliance with Moshe Feiglin, Smotrich approached Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi to join the upcoming elections.

Smotrich and Davidi met last Friday to discuss the possibility of the mayor joining the list. However, the negotiations have not yet yielded results, with Davidi declining the offer. Smotrich has a limited window to finalize his list before the deadline tomorrow at 10 PM.

Davidi's potential inclusion was seen as a way to diversify the Religious Zionism party's image. As mayor of a city on the Gaza border and a figure associated with the right-wing and national-religious public, Davidi could have broadened the party's appeal, particularly to right-wing voters in the periphery and traditional communities. His recruitment could also have strengthened the list with individuals not primarily identified with West Bank settlements.

This move follows Smotrich's earlier agreement with Moshe Feiglin, former chairman of the Zehut party, signaling an effort to expand the party's reach. Smotrich is reportedly seeking to finalize further additions before the list submission deadline.

Meanwhile, other right-wing parties are also trying to attract prominent local government figures. Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich reportedly received a high placement offer from the Likud party but chose to remain in his current role. Smotrich now faces a short timeframe to determine the final composition of his party's list for the elections.