Right-Wing Candidate Quits Election Race, Urges Party Leader to Follow

Devedi Ben Zion, a candidate for the "Am Ech Yisrael" party led by Ofer Vinter, announced his withdrawal from the election race, citing polls indicating the party will not pass the electoral threshold. Ben Zion stated he did not want right-wing votes to be wasted. The party responded by thanking Ben Zion and alleging he faced pressure, threats, and harassment against his family from those who oppose new forces in Israeli politics.

Minister of Finance and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich praised Ben Zion's decision as a "brave and difficult step of national responsibility." Smotrich noted Ben Zion's military service and public, educational, settlement, and social activities, adding that his civilian courage was a direct continuation of his public service. Smotrich argued Ben Zion's move was crucial to prevent the loss of votes below the electoral threshold and to avert a potential rise of the left.

Smotrich extended his call to other figures, including party leader Ofer Vinter, lawyer Eran Ben Ari, and Eli Deri, urging them to also withdraw from the race. He implored them to show civilian courage, take responsibility, and avoid contributing to a left-wing government that could cause "enormous damage" to Israel, concluding with the message, "We do not gamble with Israel's security!"

Ben Zion's departure intensifies political pressure on Vinter from right-wing factions aiming to prevent vote fragmentation that could fall below the electoral threshold. It remains to be seen if these calls for withdrawal will lead to further shifts in the right-wing political landscape.