Otzma Yehudit Shelves Campaign Mocking Smotrich Amid Coalition Talks

Otzma Yehudit prepared campaign posters mimicking the Religious Zionist Party's style, depicting its leader Bezalel Smotrich as "the most arrogant." The campaign was ultimately shelved, at least for now, amid ongoing coalition discussions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been exploring a possible alliance between Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party ahead of upcoming elections, but both parties currently reject the idea.

Otzma Yehudit stated they respect Minister Smotrich and expressed satisfaction that the Religious Zionist Party consistently passes the electoral threshold without needing Otzma Yehudit's support. The Religious Zionist Party did not respond to requests for comment. Additional related news includes the arrest of an East Jerusalem resident suspected of threatening to kill a Knesset member and reports that associates of Gadi Eizenkot helped establish a new Haredi political party.