Likud Signs Surplus Vote Agreement With Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit Outraged

The Likud party and the Religious Zionism party signed a surplus vote agreement on Tuesday ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions on the matter before the decision was made. Reports indicate the agreement favored Religious Zionism because it needs the deal more than Otzma Yehudit to help it pass the electoral threshold. Otzma Yehudit reacted with sharp criticism, stating that Likud refused to sign a surplus vote agreement with them. The party claims this refusal is part of an effort by Likud to weaken Otzma Yehudit and keep Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir out of a unity government that Likud allegedly plans to form with Gadi Eisenkot. Otzma Yehudit also referenced statements made by a Likud candidate and former Labor MK, Eli Goldschmidt, as evidence of this plan. Likud has not yet responded to these accusations. The status of Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael" party, including whether it will sign a surplus vote agreement with Otzma Yehudit, remains undecided.