Likud Signs Surplus Vote Deal With Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit Criticizes

The Likud party announced Tuesday it has signed a surplus vote agreement with the Religious Zionism and Identity parties, approximately three weeks before the 26th Knesset elections. The decision, made after consultations by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was reportedly based on the assessment that Religious Zionism needed the deal more than other parties in the bloc to ensure it crosses the electoral threshold. In response, Otzma Yehudit, led by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, strongly criticized Likud, claiming the party refused to sign a similar agreement with them. Otzma Yehudit stated that Likud's refusal is part of an effort to diminish their party's influence and potentially exclude Ben-Gvir from a planned unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. The party cited comments made by a Likud candidate and former Labor MK, Eli Goldschmidt, as evidence of this strategy. Parties have until ten days before the election to submit surplus vote agreements to the Central Elections Committee. Other agreements already signed include one between Yashar and Democrats, and Israel Beiteinu with Be'ahad. Historically, Shas and United Torah Judaism have consistently signed surplus agreements, and a similar deal is expected between the Joint List and Ra'am. Otzma Yehudit still has the option to sign with Ofer Vinter's Am Israel party, while also receiving overtures from Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha's Miluimnikim Ve'Hekhlit list for a surplus vote deal.