Smotrich Offers Vinter Ministerial Posts to Withdraw from Elections

Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism party, has reportedly offered Ofer Vinter "lucrative portfolios" within ministries in an attempt to persuade him to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections. Smotrich proposed that Vinter relinquish his candidacy in exchange for a ministerial position, potentially in the Ministry of Defense, to be filled from Religious Zionism's quota. Smotrich praised Vinter as a "good man, a principled leader, a brave commander with great merits." In addition to a ministerial role, Smotrich allegedly promised Vinter the establishment of two new bodies with independent budgets and authority. One would focus on the "voluntary resettlement" of Gaza residents, while the other would address the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the army and their employment. Smotrich stated his intention to secure a ministerial position for Vinter during coalition negotiations, emphasizing that Vinter does not need to be a Knesset member to be appointed minister. Previously, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadon, Vinter's spiritual mentor, in the settlement of Eli in Samaria. Election headquarters are also anticipating high turnout among the Arab population, which could impact the number of votes needed to cross the electoral threshold.