Avigdor Lieberman Seizes Political Opportunity Amid Religious Zionism Party Turmoil

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Israel Beiteinu party, swiftly responded to the political upheaval within the Religious Zionism party following the dramatic resignation of Minister Ofir Sofer. Sofer left the party led by Bezalel Smotrich due to disagreements over the party's stance against drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military and its support for laws maintaining exemptions from service. Lieberman directly appealed to the national-religious sector voters, stating that Religious Zionism opposes draft evasion and that these voters should support him instead.

This appeal comes amid growing frustration among many in the national-religious community who serve in the military and feel their representatives in the Knesset have abandoned the principle of equal burden-sharing during the ongoing war. Alongside Sofer's departure, the Religious Zionism party faces another internal crisis as Member of Knesset Moshe Solomon is also expected not to run in the upcoming elections. Solomon's likely withdrawal stems from deep dissatisfaction with the party's backing of the recent Basic Law on Torah Study, which has been harshly criticized by national-religious reservists and active-duty soldiers.

The internal turmoil and risk of party fragmentation highlight significant tensions within the Religious Zionism faction over military conscription policies and legislative priorities, creating an opening that Lieberman is eager to exploit in his political strategy.