Religious Zionism Holds Internal Vote Amid Tensions Over Ashkenazi List and Party Control

The Religious Zionism party began its internal primary elections on Sunday morning to determine its candidate list for Israel's 26th Knesset. Voting is taking place physically at two locations: a morning ballot at the party headquarters in Shoham from 8:00 to 11:00 for members unable to attend later, and an evening ballot at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem from 16:30 to 19:30. After polls close, the party's central committee will convene at the hotel, with party chairman and Minister Bezalel Smotrich expected to announce the results at 20:00.

This primary is notably limited, with only about 160 central committee members voting to select five candidates, three of whom are likely to secure seats. The party currently polls at five mandates, with Smotrich leading the list and Zvika Mor reserved a spot. Ten candidates are competing, including MK Michal Waldiger, MK Ohad Tal, and others from various professional and political backgrounds.

Waldiger emphasized a socially conscious vision for Religious Zionism, highlighting responsibility, social action, mental health care, and support for combat veterans as core values. However, the process has been marred by internal disputes, particularly regarding the exclusion of about 80 members from the Jewish Home party, who were supposed to merge into Religious Zionism but were ultimately barred from voting. Jewish Home sources criticized the primary as undemocratic and controlled solely by Smotrich.

Additionally, two prominent party members, Minister Ofir Sofer and MK Moshe Solomon, have withdrawn, reportedly due to Smotrich's intolerance for independent views, especially on sensitive issues like ultra-Orthodox conscription. Critics accuse Smotrich of centralizing power and silencing dissent, likening the party's current state to "Israel Beiteinu" under Avigdor Lieberman.

Efforts to diversify the list beyond its Ashkenazi appearance include reserving a spot for Dr. Zvika Mor and attempts to recruit Dr. Avishi Ben Haim, though the latter denied the approach. Social and economic criticisms also persist, particularly regarding soaring housing prices in Judea and Samaria, with accusations that Smotrich avoids confronting construction contractors benefiting from development incentives, exacerbating affordability issues.

The official results announced tonight will shape the party's direction ahead of the upcoming political campaign.