Finance Minister Smotrich Offers Rabbi Abraham Zarviv Second Spot on Religious Zionism List

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Israel's finance minister, is actively shaping his party's candidate list ahead of upcoming elections. According to journalist Amit Segal from Channel 12 News, Smotrich recently met with Rabbi Abraham Zarviv, a military judge and notable figure from the recent war, and offered him a high-ranking position, likely second place, on the party list.

Rabbi Zarviv gained public recognition during the war as a reserve D9 bulldozer operator involved in extensive operations to demolish terror infrastructure in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He was also honored on Israel's Independence Day as a torchbearer at the official ceremony on Mount Herzl. This recruitment is part of Smotrich's strategy to include prominent personalities associated with the war period.

About a month ago, the party announced the addition of Dr. Tzvika Mor, a leading member of the Tikva Forum and father of captive survivor Eitan Mor, who is expected to secure a high spot on the list as well. Mor became a vocal opponent of partial prisoner exchange deals during the war, advocating for a comprehensive deal to release all captives in one operation while maintaining military pressure on Hamas.

With the inclusion of both Mor and Zarviv, Smotrich appears to be building a party list rooted in figures closely linked to the war effort and aligned with the ideological camp of Religious Zionism.