Ophir Sofer Quits Religious Zionism Party Amid Smotrich's Consolidation of Power

Ophir Sofer's resignation from the Religious Zionism party is more than a dispute over the military conscription law; it reflects deeper internal conflicts. Sofer, a longtime key figure in the party and former secretary-general of the National Union, was sidelined as Bezalel Smotrich centralized control over the party. Smotrich now dominates candidate selection and party mechanisms, leaving little room for independent voices like Sofer's.

The tension also stems from a broken agreement between the Religious Zionism party and the Jewish Home party, which had promised to integrate many Jewish Home central committee members into Religious Zionism's leadership. According to Jewish Home officials, Smotrich failed to fulfill this commitment, weakening potential support for politicians like Sofer and Moshe Solomon who oppose ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions.

Smotrich's approach increasingly aligns with ultra-Orthodox positions, diverging from broader Religious Zionist views. While he has achieved notable successes in settlement expansion and regulation in Judea and Samaria, his political line alienates parts of the Religious Zionist public. Recent polls show Smotrich's party holding about five Knesset seats, partly benefiting from Naftali Bennett's alliance choices rather than genuine support.

The party's internal democracy appears diminished, with one senior Knesset member stating that if Smotrich does not want him on the list, he will be excluded. This concentration of power raises questions about the party's future identity and direction. Ultimately, the public will decide the party's fate at the ballot box, not the leadership or central committee members.