Religious Zionism Party Sets Dates and Rules for Upcoming Primaries

The Religious Zionism party held a meeting on July 13, 2024, to finalize organizational and administrative decisions for its internal primary elections. The deadline for candidate registration is set for Tuesday, July 21, 2024, at 23:59, with the voting day scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2024. Candidates who are party members but not Knesset members must submit 15 signatures from party center members, who may each endorse up to three candidates, and pay a 240 shekel registration fee. Incumbent Knesset members only need to pay the registration fee and are exempt from collecting signatures, per party regulations. Non-party candidates may apply subject to the party chairman's approval to shorten their membership qualification period.

The party's executive committee, excluding running Knesset members, will serve as the official election committee. Voting will be conducted via physical ballot boxes, with locations and hours to be announced later. A special exceptions committee will be established to address unique cases such as reservists, center members abroad, and other special circumstances. The election date was chosen after considering factors like the potential dissolution of the Knesset, vacation periods, and the month of August, aiming to hold the primaries as early as possible to allow a swift campaign launch while ensuring a fair democratic process.

The party emphasized that Sunday, July 26, 2024, balances these considerations best. They called on all candidates to conduct their campaigns with fairness, honesty, and mutual respect. Additional details and candidacy forms will be published in due course.