Religious Zionism Party Leaders Pledge to Be Backbone of Next Right-Wing Government

The Religious Zionism party held its primary elections on Sunday at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem, with 171 of 174 eligible central committee members voting to determine the party's list for the 26th Knesset. Orit Strook secured the top spot, followed by Knesset members Simcha Rothman, Tzvi Sukkot, and Ohad Tal. Other candidates included Omer Rahams, Michal Waldiger, Shmuel Sasson, Tzvika Wishingrad, Itam Tam, and Natan Zaubman. However, the final list will differ as party chairman and Minister Bezalel Smotrich automatically leads the list and holds two reserved slots, one designated for Tzvika Mor, father of kidnapped soldier Eitan Mor.

Following the results, Smotrich praised the selected team as the best for the upcoming Knesset and expressed confidence they would become the "backbone of the right-wing government." He acknowledged newcomer Omer Rahams' fifth-place finish as natural given the incumbents' advantage and assured all candidates would enter the Knesset. Smotrich emphasized the party's ideological consistency, reliability, and strong execution capabilities, citing achievements in economics, Judea and Samaria, social initiatives, and mental health.

Orit Strook, who topped the primaries, thanked voters and said she is focused on delivering results to help form a strong national government rather than seeking specific roles. Simcha Rothman highlighted the party's proven track record and broad representation across Israel's regions and the religious-Zionist community. He refrained from discussing specific roles but committed to addressing judicial system issues.

Tzvi Sukkot, third in the primaries, expressed hope the party would secure more than six mandates in the upcoming elections. He stressed the importance of winning the elections and forming a government before discussing internal roles and plans.

The party aims to leverage its experienced team and ideological clarity to strengthen its position within the right-wing bloc and influence the next government formation.