MK Moshe Solomon Withdraws from Religious Zionism Party Primaries Citing Core Value Disagreements

MK Moshe Solomon officially announced on Thursday that he will not run in the upcoming primaries of the Religious Zionism party. Solomon stated that while the party has advanced settlement strengthening, a firmer security policy, and influence on the economy and Israel's Jewish identity, he believes it has strayed from its core values regarding Torah, military service, and labor. He emphasized his belief in Torah study alongside IDF service as complementary values essential to the party's foundation and expressed that the party's recent choices forced him to step back, as he could no longer represent his constituents as expected.

Solomon described his decision as one of public responsibility, noting that politics is a tool to serve values, not an end in itself. He remains uncertain about his future political path but affirmed his commitment to public service. This announcement follows the recent decision by Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer to retire from politics amid disagreements with party leader Bezalel Smotrich, particularly over the draft law. Sofer expressed gratitude to Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for national unity and resilience in the face of ongoing security challenges.

Both departures highlight internal tensions within the Religious Zionism party over ideological and policy directions, especially concerning military conscription and the party's foundational principles. The party now faces a period of potential redefinition as it approaches the next Knesset elections.