Religious Zionism Party Begins Primaries for 26th Knesset Election

The Religious Zionism party has launched its primaries for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, with voting taking place physically at two locations on Sunday. Party members cast their ballots in the morning at the party headquarters in Shaam and in the afternoon at the Ramada Hotel. Results will be announced at 8 PM by party chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, alongside CEO Yehuda Wald. A secure online voting option was provided for reservists and those with special permits. The candidate list includes current Knesset members Michal Waldiger, Ohad Tal, Zvi Sukkot, and Smotrich himself, as well as Deputy Mayor of Petah Tikva Tzvika Vishnegrad, Hope Program CEO Natan Zaubman, Minister Orit Strook, CEO of the Yesha Council Omer Rahams, Rabbi Shmuel Sasson, and Deputy Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Eitan Tam. The primaries will determine the party's final slate for the elections, with speculation on whether Omer Rahams might displace an incumbent representative.