Religious Zionism Leader Offers Reserved Spot to War Hero Abraham Zarviv Ahead of Elections

Religious Zionism party chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed a reserved spot, likely second place, on the party list to Rabbi Abraham Zarviv ahead of the upcoming elections. Zarviv gained public recognition during the recent war as a reserve D9 bulldozer operator involved in extensive counterterrorism operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He was also honored as a torchbearer at Israel's Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl.

This move follows the recent addition of Dr. Tzvika Mor, a prominent voice against partial hostage release deals and father of captive survivor Eitan Mor, who is expected to secure a high position on the list. Smotrich appears to be shaping his party list around figures closely associated with the war and aligned with the Religious Zionism ideological camp.

The party continues to seek candidates with strong public profiles from the wartime period to strengthen its electoral appeal. Zarviv's inclusion reflects this strategy, aiming to leverage his wartime heroism and public stature in the political arena.