Smotrich Considers Third Reserved Spot to Diversify Religious Zionist Party List

Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich is contemplating requesting a third reserved slot within the party's top ten list ahead of the upcoming October 27 Knesset elections. The party has already approved two reserved spots for Smotrich, but he aims to add another to enhance the list's diversity, particularly to better represent "Dati Lite" (modern Orthodox) and Mizrahi voters who currently lack sufficient representation. This move would likely push another incumbent member down to a less realistic position for entering the Knesset, where the party is projected to win about five seats according to a Kan News poll.

Last week, it was revealed that one of Smotrich's reserved candidates could be Dr. Avishai Ben Haim, a figure associated with Channel 14, who might be placed second on the list if the reservation is granted. Ben Haim denied that this was currently under consideration. The party emphasized that the list will remain diverse and continue broad efforts across various fields.

On October 1, the Religious Zionist Party released the results of its primary elections: Bezalel Smotrich leads the list, followed by Orit Strook in second place, Simcha Rothman third, Tzvi Sukkot fourth, and Ohad Tal fifth. These five are at risk of being displaced to less viable positions if Smotrich secures additional reserved slots. Meanwhile, a Kan News poll shows the Netanyahu bloc strengthening, while Benny Gantz's former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot is losing a seat. The primaries confirm Strook, Rothman, and Sukkot as leading figures within the party.