Orit Strock Tops Religious Zionism Primaries, Smotrich Finishes Outside Voting

The Religious Zionism party held its primary elections on Sunday, with 170 of 173 eligible voters participating. Three party members, Ofir Sofer, Moshe Solomon, and Orit Strock, did not vote. After counting the ballots, National Missions Minister Orit Strock secured first place, followed by Smotrich ally Simcha Rothman in second. Tzvi Sukkot came in third, narrowly ahead of MK Ohad Tal by a single vote. Other notable placements included Omer Rahamim in sixth, followed by Michal Waldiger, Shmuel Sasson, Tzvika Vishingrad, and Natan Zaubman at eleventh. The party also maintained a reserved spot for Tzvika Mor.

Voting took place at two locations: the party headquarters in Shoham during the morning and the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem in the afternoon. Additionally, reservists and voters with special permissions cast ballots through a secure online system. Ten candidates competed for the list positions, including MKs Michal Waldiger, Ohad Tal, Tzvi Sukkot, and Simcha Rothman, as well as Orit Strock and others.

The results reflect internal party dynamics ahead of the 2026 elections, with Strock's top placement signaling her rising influence within Religious Zionism. The party's leadership and members will now prepare for the upcoming general election campaign based on this new ranking.