Religious Zionism Leader Offers Rabbi Avi Zariv a Top Spot on Party List

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and minister, recently met privately with Rabbi Avi Zariv to propose that he join the party's Knesset list in the second position. This move aims to inject fresh energy into the party and attract new voter segments. Rabbi Zariv gained significant public recognition during the recent prolonged conflict, serving as a D9 bulldozer operator in the Engineering Corps reserves and becoming a prominent figure among reservists and the broader Israeli public. He was also selected to light a torch at Mount Herzl on Israel’s last Independence Day by a public committee.

This offer is part of Smotrich's broader strategy to incorporate notable figures from the wartime period into his party list. About a month ago, the party announced the addition of Dr. Tzvika Mor, a leader of the Tikva Forum and father of former captive Eitan Mor, who is also expected to secure a high spot on the list.

A recent poll by Lazar Research Institute for Maariv shows the Religious Zionism party continuing its upward trend, polling at five seats, just above the electoral threshold. The poll indicates that if elections were held today, Likud would win 21 seats, Gadi Eizenkot's "Yashar!" party 20, and the "Together" party of Bennett and Lapid 19. Other results include Israel Beytenu and the Democrats at 10 seats each, Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and United Torah Judaism at 8 seats each, Hadash-Ta'al at 6, Ra'am at 5, and Religious Zionism at 5. Overall, Netanyahu's coalition holds 50 seats, the Zionist opposition 59, and Arab parties 11 seats, gaining one seat compared to previous counts.