Rabbi Avrgel’s Party Negotiates Political Alliances Ahead of Israeli Elections
In recent weeks, a political contest has emerged involving the Religious Zionism party, Otzma Yehudit, and Noam, all negotiating potential alliances with the Achi party, founded by followers of the late Rabbi Yoram Avrgel. Erez Aharon, CEO of Rabbi Avrgel’s institutions, revealed to Srugim that discussions have taken place with key figures from these parties, including Smotrich, Ben Gvir, and Noam, to explore political cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections.
Aharon estimates Achi’s electoral strength at approximately 150,000 votes, which translates to about three Knesset seats. He emphasized the party’s organized network, which reaches a broad base of supporters through subscriptions to newsletters, book buyers, and other institutional circles. Aharon stated that any political agreement must reflect this electoral power, demanding at least three realistic Knesset spots on any joint list. However, Achi is also considering running independently, potentially expanding its coalition with additional groups.
Regarding potential candidates, Aharon disclosed that Rabbi Yuval Elimelech, a senior figure in Rabbi Avrgel’s institutions in Netivot, is expected to lead the list, alongside Israel Aflalo from Netivot. Another notable possible candidate is Avi Dayan, a former well-known Shas activist from Elad, whose inclusion could attract votes from Shas’s traditional Sephardic base.
When asked about Shas, Aharon dismissed any notion of conflict, stating that Achi maintains good relations with Shas and seeks unity rather than rivalry. Nonetheless, a future partnership appears complicated, as Shas leader Aryeh Deri typically avoids incorporating external political actors. Achi’s emergence could challenge Shas’s hold on its traditional voters, especially amid some dissatisfaction with Shas’s perceived concessions to ultra-Orthodox factions.
Negotiations continue without a final decision on whether Achi will join a right-wing party or run independently in the elections.
