Religious Zionism Party Finalizes Candidate List for Upcoming Israeli Elections

On Sunday evening, Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich and party CEO Yehuda Wald announced the final results of the internal primary elections to determine the party's candidate list for the next Knesset. The vote involved 170 central committee members. Minister Orit Strook received the highest number of votes, followed by Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman and Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot. Smotrich secured the top spot on the list and indicated he might reserve the second spot for a significant candidate of his choosing. Tzvika Mor, father of captive soldier Eitan Mor, was guaranteed a place in fourth or fifth position. Assuming the second spot is reserved, the projected list includes Smotrich, a candidate chosen by him, Strook, Rothman or Mor, Sukkot, Knesset member Ohad Tal, Smotrich’s advisor Omer Rahamim, Knesset member Michal Waldiger, Rabbi Shmuel Sasson, Deputy Mayor of Petah Tikva Attorney Tzvika Vishnegrad, Deputy Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Eitan Tam, and tech professional Natan Zaubman.

Behind the scenes, Smotrich and his team supported Rahamim to surpass at least one incumbent Knesset member, which he achieved by overtaking Waldiger. After the announcement, Smotrich expressed confidence that the chosen list, along with Mor and other soon-to-be-added figures, would secure victory in the upcoming elections. He praised the team as a winning combination of ideological commitment and proven action dedicated to Israel, the Jewish people, and the Torah.

Smotrich also addressed past attempts to delegitimize the party, stating that despite negative campaigns, the Religious Zionism party has delivered significant achievements quietly across government, security, settlement expansion, economic growth, judicial reforms, and preserving Israel’s Jewish identity. The internal elections took place at two polling stations in Shoham and Jerusalem, with secure online voting available for reservists and those with special permits. The electorate is a small, loyal group closely aligned with Smotrich.

Notably, Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer and Knesset member Moshe Solomon did not participate in the primaries due to disagreements over the exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews; Sofer announced he would not run in the next Knesset. Smotrich’s challenge was to form a list that balances ideological alignment with his base, moderation to retain voters amid Sofer’s departure, and discipline to avoid defections like Solomon’s.