Smotrich Offered Senior Role to Avi Maoz to Quit Election Race

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, reportedly considered offering Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, a senior position in exchange for withdrawing from the upcoming election race. The offer, which Smotrich ultimately decided not to make publicly at the last minute, would have potentially included a deputy minister role or the head of an administration with authority over education and Jewish identity matters. Instead, Smotrich planned to pursue quiet negotiations with Noam through a mediator.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the matter and reportedly supported the Religious Zionism party's proposals for roles for party leaders asked to withdraw from the race. However, the Noam party stated that no offer was received and that the party intends to run until the end. This follows a similar public offer Smotrich made to Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel party, proposing a ministerial post from Religious Zionism's quota in coalition negotiations if Winter withdrew from the candidacy. Smotrich had argued that Winter was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold based on most polls, emphasizing the importance of continued right-wing rule.