Smotrich Says He Offered Winter Top Spot on Religious Zionism List

Finance Minister and head of the Religious Zionism party, Bezalel Smotrich, revealed in a special interview at the Channel 7 conference that he had offered Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter the first spot on his party's list for the upcoming elections. Smotrich warned that an independent run by Winter could lead to a loss of votes for the right-wing bloc and potentially help form a left-wing government.

Smotrich addressed his party's standing in the polls, stating his belief that the national-religious public, while critical at times, would ultimately vote for his party due to its ideological backbone and actions during the war. He acknowledged that some within his base have "stomach aches" about certain issues.

The minister also expressed concern over the issue of drafting the ultra-Orthodox, admitting his own distress but emphasizing the need to examine the matter within the broader context of the next government's composition. He regretted not successfully promoting a draft law for the ultra-Orthodox two years prior, suggesting it could have led to thousands of ultra-Orthodox men serving in the IDF by now.

Regarding Winter's electoral prospects, Smotrich was unequivocal, stating there was "no chance in the world" for him to pass the electoral threshold. He accused those inflating Winter's poll numbers of artificially boosting his strength to siphon votes from the right. Smotrich urged Winter and his associates not to bear the responsibility for a potential left-wing government, referencing the failed "Tehiya" party of 1992.

Smotrich also touched upon potential political cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot after the elections, criticizing Eisenkot's demand to leave the war cabinet upon joining the coalition. He also offered personal appreciation for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of his ongoing trial alongside managing the country during wartime, describing Netanyahu's resilience as "amazing."