Netanyahu Strengthens Alliance With Smotrich Amidst Shifting Political Landscape
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reinforcing his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionism party, viewing Smotrich as his most stable partner amid a fracturing right-wing bloc. The ultra-Orthodox parties have distanced themselves, partly due to the conscription law crisis, and Itamar Ben-Gvir's role is uncertain. This strategic pivot aims to leverage Smotrich's strong grassroots network to compensate for Likud's setback with its "Elector" election day system.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is strengthening his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionism party.
- The ultra-Orthodox parties are distancing themselves from Netanyahu's bloc due to the conscription law crisis.
- Smotrich is now considered Likud's most stable and crucial partner in the right-wing bloc.
- The alliance includes deep cooperation on election day operations, utilizing Religious Zionism's grassroots network.
- This partnership aims to compensate for Likud's significant setback with its "Elector" election day system.
- The opposition is reportedly attempting to adopt Netanyahu's past "bloc strategy" for the upcoming elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deepening his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, who is now seen within the Likud party as the most stable partner in the right-wing bloc. This strategic shift comes as the bloc faces fragmentation, particularly with the distancing of the ultra-Orthodox parties and a perceived weakening of ties with Itamar Ben-Gvir.
In previous elections, Netanyahu led a relatively cohesive bloc that included Likud, the ultra-Orthodox parties, and other right-wing factions. However, the current political climate is more complex. The ultra-Orthodox parties, citing the conscription law crisis exacerbated by the October 7th attacks, no longer view themselves as automatic members of the "Netanyahu bloc," signaling a diminished commitment.
This situation leaves Smotrich as Netanyahu's most crucial partner, offering loyalty to the bloc, to Netanyahu personally, and significant political and organizational support. While Ben-Gvir remains aligned with the right, his inclusion in a future government is reportedly not a priority for Netanyahu. The ultra-Orthodox parties' perceived disengagement further elevates Smotrich's importance.
The strengthening of the alliance with Religious Zionism is particularly significant as the opposition attempts to adopt Netanyahu's past "bloc strategy." The cooperation extends beyond electoral agreements to include a deep partnership for election day operations. Religious Zionism possesses a robust grassroots network, including institutions, rabbis, and local activists, which can mobilize voters.
This collaboration is also seen as a way to compensate for a significant blow to Likud's election day plans. Sources within Likud revealed that the party had invested heavily in the "Elector" system, which is now unavailable, forcing them to seek alternative methods for voter outreach and mobilization. Smotrich's organized ground operations are expected to partially mitigate this loss.
