Religious Zionist Community Awaits Clear Party Policies on Religion and State Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Israel approaches the 2026 elections, many political parties are seeking the support of the Religious Zionist community, estimated to hold 12-14 Knesset seats. This diverse and engaged sector plays a significant role in civil society, settlement, and security. While major election issues include security, cost of living, social division, military conscription, corruption, judicial reform, welfare, health, and education, many in the Religious Zionist community feel their voice on religion and state matters has been overlooked.

This sense of alienation intensified after the Religious Zionist party's primary elections excluded candidates Ofir Sofer and Michal Waldiger, highlighting that the party represents only part of the sector, mainly focusing on settlement and security in the West Bank. The article addresses voters within the community who are undecided among opposition parties, which feature diverse religious candidates but lack clear party platforms on religion and state.

Key expectations include effective halachic and state solutions for personal status issues such as agunot and refusal to grant divorces, improved marriage registration services, and respectful public Jewish presence without coercion. On Shabbat observance, many support local autonomy allowing limited public transport and cultural activities while maintaining a national day of rest. Clear policies on conversion are also demanded, favoring halachic processes free from sectoral politics.

Regarding religious services, nearly half of the community sees reforming the Chief Rabbinate as very important, seeking professional, transparent kashrut supervision and a Zionist Chief Rabbinate that supports military service and represents all Jewish Israelis. On women's status, most expect expanded leadership roles and oppose gender exclusion in public spaces.

The Religious Zionist public calls for strengthening state institutions, maintaining an independent judiciary, and fostering unifying public discourse. To earn this community's trust, parties and leaders must present clear, unambiguous policies on religion and state issues, recognizing these as core to the community's identity and potentially decisive in voting choices.