Bezalel Smotrich Tops Religious Zionism Party List After Primaries for 26th Knesset

The Religious Zionism party finalized its candidate list for the 26th Knesset following primary elections held on July 26, 2026. Bezalel Smotrich, the party chairman and current Finance Minister, secured the top spot on the list. The primaries took place across three voting locations: the party headquarters in Shoham in the morning, the Ramada Hotel in the afternoon, and remote voting for reservists and those with exceptional circumstances. Voter turnout was notably high at 98.5%.

Ten candidates competed for approximately two to three realistic spots on the list. Alongside Smotrich, the candidates elected include Orit Strock, Simcha Rothman, Zvi Sukkot, Ohad Tal, Omer Rahamim, Michal Waldiger, Rabbi Shmuel Sasson, Tzvika Vishnegrad, Itam Tam, and Natan Zaubman. The party intends to integrate reserved slots into the list, with Smotrich expected to allocate two reserved positions within the top ten, including one at third place. Tzvika Mor, a recent party member who did not participate in the primaries, is anticipated to receive one of these reserved spots.

The primary results were announced by Smotrich shortly after the polls closed. The inclusion of reserved slots aims to balance the list composition alongside the primary winners. The party's list now sets the stage for its campaign in the upcoming Knesset elections.