First Publication: After Primaries, Alon Davidi is Smotrich's Target
Following the assembly of a list identified heavily with the settlement movement, it has been learned that the Religious Zionism party chairman is targeting the mayor of Sderot as a figure to expand the voter base. Bezalel Smotrich intends to act in every possible way to bring Davidi into national politics, even at the cost of adjusting the list.
Following the primaries held on Sunday in the Religious Zionism party, leadership is already working to balance the list ahead of the elections. It has become known to Walla that the primary target for inclusion is the mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi.
Within the party, it is noted that the primary results created a list with a distinctly settlement-oriented character, with broad representation for residents of Judea and Samaria, but one that less reflects the mainstream of religious Zionism. By the evening hours following the publication of the results, Davidi's name emerged as someone who could expand the party's base of support and appeal to additional audiences.
According to sources familiar with the process, party chairman Bezalel Smotrich is expected to invest significant efforts in the coming weeks to convince Davidi to join the list. The assessment is that if the move matures, an attempt will be made to place him in a high position, out of the belief that he may strengthen the party both electorally and in terms of image.
Smotrich will act in all possible ways to ensure Davidi enters the national political system, even at the cost of making adjustments to the list or requesting an additional reserved spot if necessary. At this stage, a final decision has not yet been made, but the party defines this as one of its central goals following the completion of the primaries.
In the Religious Zionism primaries, 170 out of 173 eligible voters participated; the three members who did not vote were Ofir Sofer, Moshe Solomon, and Orit Strock. At the end of the vote count, Minister of Settlements and National Missions Orit Strock was elected to first place, and Simcha Rothman to second. Zvi Sukkot took third place, ahead of Ohad Tal by a margin of one vote.
In sixth place was Omes Rahamim, followed by Michal Woldiger, Shmuel Sasson, Zvika Vishingerd, Itam Tam, and Nathan Zaubman in 11th place. Alongside this, the reservation of a spot for Zvika Mor is expected.
"The list of candidates chosen tonight, together with our friends Zvika Mor and other figures who will join soon and expand the representativeness of the list, will bring, with God's help, victory in the upcoming elections," congratulated party chairman Bezalel Smotrich.
