Feiglin and Smotrich Agree on Joint Knesset Run

Religious Zionism party Chairman Bezalel Smotrich and Zehut party Chairman Moshe Feiglin agreed on Tuesday to run together in the upcoming Knesset elections.

Reflecting on the alliance, Smotrich stated that the upcoming elections are "critical for the future of the national camp and the State of Israel." He emphasized that issues such as security, settlements, the judicial system, and preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state are at the top of the agenda. "At such a moment, one must take responsibility not only for one's own party but for the entire camp," he said.

Smotrich stressed that the goal is to unite right-wing forces and prevent the loss of votes. "I am happy that Moshe responded to the call. There are differences between us, and we are not seeking to blur them. Each of us maintains our identity, but we both understand that the great task now is the victory of the national camp."

According to Smotrich, the connection with Feiglin is only the first step in creating further collaborations. "For me, this is the first union, but not the last," he said, calling on other right-wing parties to join. "You don't have to agree on everything to take responsibility together. We will do everything required to unite the camp and ensure a strong right-wing government is established."

Zehut Chairman Moshe Feiglin stated that his party set out with the desire to bring "a new spirit, hope, and a vision of true victory." He noted that the party had promised its supporters that it would not risk a single vote and that their values would receive strong representation. "We have fulfilled this mission completely," he said.

Feiglin added that the joint list is intended to "maximize the power of the national and faith-based camp," and called on supporters to mobilize. "We have done our part and secured a home for our supporters — now the responsibility passes to the public. I call on everyone to whom the Land of Israel and human freedom are dear: this is the time to mobilize and vote for the joint list."

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the union, noting that it is the right move to ensure the bloc crosses the electoral threshold. Ben Gvir took the opportunity to call on Ofer Winter, whose party has failed to cross the threshold in recent polls: "Prove your commitment to the right-wing bloc, do the right thing, and unite with Smotrich and Feiglin."

Preliminary talks resulted in an agreement on a technical block, including three spots in the top ten for Feiglin's people. Sources involved in the negotiations defined the talks as "pleasant and efficient," claiming there are no significant disputes between the parties.

The main complexity remaining is the arrangement of the list, as Religious Zionism wants to leave room for potential additional unions before the lists close.

Meanwhile, Religious Zionism continues to monitor Ofer Winter. Party members claim that Winter has been on a downward trend in the polls since last Thursday. They believe his declaration that he would align with Benjamin Netanyahu cost him support from voters who are not interested in the continuation of Netanyahu's term.

The assessment within Religious Zionism is that the coming days will be significant. As the deadline for closing lists approaches, pressure on Winter is expected to increase, and if his downward trend continues, his firm stance against unions may change.