Religious Zionism Party Announces Orit Strock Wins Primaries, Smotrich to Lead List

The Religious Zionism Party revealed the results of its primaries on Sunday evening to determine its Knesset candidate list. Minister Bezalel Smotrich will continue to lead the party, followed by Minister Orit Strock who secured first place in the primaries, with MK Simcha Rothman coming in second. Other top candidates include Tzvi Sukkot, Ohad Tal, Omer Rahams, and Michal Waldiger. The party plans to reserve two additional spots, one expected to go to Tzvika Mor, who is likely to be placed within the top five.

A total of 170 out of 173 central committee members voted, marking a 98.5% turnout. Among the three who did not vote were Minister Ofir Sofer and MK Moshe Solomon. Following the announcement, Smotrich warned that the right-wing and national camp are in a state of dormancy reminiscent of the 1992 elections before the Oslo Accords. He criticized former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot, claiming that if Eizenkot becomes prime minister, he would undo achievements in Judea and Samaria and return to the Oslo path of establishing a Palestinian state.

Smotrich expressed confidence that the chosen candidate list, along with upcoming additions like Tzvika Mor, will secure victory in the upcoming elections. He praised the party members for selecting a "winning team" representing Religious Zionism with a blend of ideology, proven action, and commitment to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, Torah, and the Land of Israel. He emphasized the party's democratic nature and its role in cultivating the next generation of Israeli leadership.