Religious Zionism Leader Smotrich Considers Additional Reserved Spot to Diversify Knesset List

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and a government minister, is reportedly considering requesting a third reserved spot within the top ten positions of the party's Knesset candidate list. This move aims to diversify the list by including representatives appealing to the "Dati Lite" (moderate religious) and Mizrahi communities, who currently lack representation. Although the party has already approved two reserved spots for Smotrich, the anticipated third reservation would come at the expense of a current Knesset member likely to be pushed down to an unrealistic position on the list.

The party recently concluded its primary elections, finalizing the top ten candidates. Following Smotrich at the head of the list are Orit Strook in second place, Simcha Rothman third, and Tzvi Sukkot fourth. The top five also include Ohad Tal and Omer Rahmim, CEO of the Yesha Council. Other candidates in the top ten are Michal Waldiger (sixth), Rabbi Shmuel Shason (seventh), Tzvika Vishnegrad (eighth), Itamar Tam (ninth), and Natan Zauberman (tenth).

Voting took place at two locations: the party headquarters in Shoham and the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem. In addition to the elected candidates, Smotrich is expected to add reserved spots, including one for Tzvika Mor, who is projected to secure a position within the party's top five.

This development reflects Smotrich's strategic effort to broaden the party's appeal ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections by ensuring representation of diverse religious and ethnic groups within the party list.