Religious Zionist Activists Hold First Political Conference with Ofer Winter Amid Party Crisis

Following internal turmoil within the Religious Zionist camp and a breach of their unity agreement by Bezalel Smotrich's faction, veteran activists from the Jewish Home party are organizing a political conference with Ofer Winter to discuss their future direction. The meeting is scheduled for the coming Sunday in Nehalim and will include public figures, rabbis, educators, settlement leaders, and activists affiliated with the Jewish Home. The event is being organized by former MK Moti Yogev, Zvika Rozenblat, head of the Jewish Home branch in Bnei Brak, and veteran activist Shuki Zohar.

The conference aims to gauge grassroots sentiment and explore whether there is a need for a new political framework to represent a significant segment of the Religious Zionist public who currently feel politically unrepresented. While some participants have historical ties to the Jewish Home, the gathering will also include representatives from various streams within Religious Zionism.

This development follows reports of tension after Smotrich violated the unity agreement by excluding 80 Jewish Home central committee members from his faction. Additionally, Hagit Moshe's apparent sidelining from key influence centers and her failed bid for the National Service CEO position, which was awarded to a candidate chosen by Minister Struck, have fueled dissatisfaction. Several prominent figures, including former Shomron Regional Council deputy head Aryeh Yoeli, have left the Religious Zionist camp for Avigdor Lieberman's party.

Political analysts interpret the conference as a sign of growing discontent within parts of Religious Zionism regarding their current political representation. Although the Jewish Home party has ceased active operations, its grassroots base remains influential and continues to mobilize voters during elections.