Religious Zionism and Identity Unite for Election Under Smotrich and Feiglin

The Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, has formed a technical alliance with Moshe Feiglin's Identity party to overcome the electoral threshold in the upcoming Knesset elections. This partnership, defined as temporary and ending after the election, places Feiglin in the second position on the joint list. Initially, Smotrich's party faced challenges in polls, with the entry of Ofer Winter and Feiglin's separate run with Identity intensifying competition on the right. The combined list, Religious Zionism-Identity, is currently polling between 5-7 seats, a significant improvement from earlier predictions of potentially failing to pass the threshold.

The alliance is notable given the past animosity between Smotrich and Feiglin, who had previously exchanged harsh criticisms. They agreed in September to set aside their differences for the election. The joint list's composition has seen shifts, with Smotrich at the top, Feiglin second, Orit Struk third, and Simcha Rothman fourth. Some candidates who performed well in internal primaries, like Zvi Sukkot and Ohed Tal, were placed in less realistic positions, reflecting Smotrich's efforts to broaden the list's appeal and minimize the risk of losing votes below the electoral threshold. Two incumbent Knesset members, Ofir Sofer and Moshe Solomon, will not be running on the party's slate this time, with Solomon having publicly criticized the party's decisions, reportedly over disagreements regarding the conscription of Haredim.

Smotrich's political platform emphasizes his tenure as Finance Minister and his role in advancing settlement expansion and changes within the Civil Administration in the West Bank, which he views as key achievements. Critics, however, argue this policy hinders future peace prospects and increases friction. His performance as Finance Minister, particularly during the Swords of Iron War, has faced scrutiny regarding the economy, deficit, and national debt, though he points to the economy's resilience during the war as proof of his policies' success. The issue of Haredi conscription also presents a challenge, as the party advocates for broader military service but has been cautious about imposing sanctions on those who refuse to enlist, a stance that has caused internal debate.

Feiglin brings a distinct ideological platform focused on "Identity and Freedom," advocating for a Jewish state with strong Israeli sovereignty alongside reduced government power and increased personal and economic freedom. His proposals include a flat income tax, education vouchers, and a reformed military service model. While supporters see these as ways to empower citizens, critics question their impact on tax distribution, educational equity, and the IDF's manpower needs. The alliance is seen as a strategic move for both leaders: Smotrich gains Feiglin's voters without fully merging ideologies, while Feiglin secures a high spot on a viable list. The long-term implications of their differing visions for policy implementation will only become clear after the elections.