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Religious Zionism Party Unveils Candidates for Internal Elections, Featuring Smotrich’s Close Advisor

How 6 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

83% right-leaning

Center 1Right 5

By אמיר אטינגר

First reported by Behadrei Haredim · Jul 22, 2026

What happened

The Religious Zionism party revealed its candidate list for internal elections among 170 central committee members, featuring current MKs and Smotrich’s close advisor Omer Rahamim. Key figures like Ofir Sofer and Moshe Solomon withdrew, and no new women candidates joined. The vote is set for Sunday, with incumbent MKs expected to dominate top spots.

01Religious Zionism party announced candidates for internal elections among 170 committee members.
02Ten candidates run; half are current Knesset members including Orit Strook and Simcha Rothman.
03Ofir Sofer and Moshe Solomon withdrew and will not run in these elections or next Knesset.
04Only two women candidates, no new female entrants; Zvika Mor joins via reserved slot.
05Omer Rahamim, Smotrich’s close advisor and Yesha Council CEO, is a notable candidate.
06Smotrich has not introduced a moderate voice to replace Sofer, raising outreach questions.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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