Religious Zionism Party Begins Primaries to Select Knesset Candidates

The Religious Zionism party launched its internal primaries on Sunday morning to determine its candidate list for Israel's 26th Knesset elections. Voting is taking place at two physical locations: the party headquarters in Shoham from the morning, and the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem from midday. Additionally, reservists and those with special permits can vote through a secure online system. The primary results are expected to be announced around 8 p.m. by party chairman and minister Bezalel Smotrich and party CEO Yehuda Wald.

Ten candidates are competing for spots on the list, including current Knesset members Michal Waldiger, Ohad Tal, Tzvi Sukkot, and Smotrich ally and Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahmim. Other contenders include MK Simcha Rothman, Minister Ayelet Struck, Tzvika Vishnegrad, Natan Zaubman, Shmuel Sasson, and Eitan Tam Smotrich. Bezalel Smotrich will lead the list but is not participating in the primaries, while Tzvika Mor is expected to secure a reserved spot.

Recent polls project the Religious Zionism party will win four to five seats in the upcoming elections. With Smotrich heading the list and Mor holding a reserved position, competition for the remaining realistic spots is expected to be intense. The primaries are a critical step in shaping the party's electoral slate ahead of the national vote.