Religious Zionism Lawmaker Moshe Solomon Quits Party Primaries Citing Ideological Rift

Moshe Solomon, a member of the Knesset and its deputy speaker, announced on Thursday that he will not run in the upcoming primaries of the Religious Zionism party. His decision follows months of intense conflict with the party leadership, particularly with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who removed Solomon from Knesset committees after Solomon voted against the controversial "Basic Law: Torah Study" draft.

In his official statement, Solomon criticized the party for abandoning the core principles of the national-religious public that elected it. He acknowledged the party's achievements in strengthening settlements, security policy, economic influence, governance, and Israel's Jewish identity but highlighted a deep ideological divide on key issues such as Torah study, military service, and work. Solomon, a reserve lieutenant colonel, emphasized his belief in both Torah study and shared military service, stating these values are not contradictory but foundational to the community he represents.

Solomon expressed that the party's concessions on these matters prevent him from honestly representing his constituents. He described the military service and equality in burden-sharing debate as central, not peripheral, to his public mission. After careful consideration and out of public responsibility, he chose not to participate in the party's primaries.

Regarding his future, Solomon indicated that politics is a means to uphold values, not an end in itself, and hinted he may continue his public service outside the Religious Zionism party. He acknowledged recent reports of outreach from other center-right parties but did not specify his next steps. Solomon concluded by thanking his faction colleagues and reaffirming his commitment to public service going forward.