The Religious Zionist Party finalized its primary elections and published the official list of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections after 200 central committee members exercised their voting rights. The internal primary election process focused on a tight contest among ten candidates competing for three realistic seats on the parliamentary slate.
The voting process occurred alongside the strategic reservation of a slate placement for Zvika Mor, chosen directly by party chairman Bezalel Smotrich. The primary took place following the recent departures of Deputy Minister Moshe Solomon and Minister Ofir Sofer, both of whom left the party over internal disagreements regarding military draft legislation for Ultra-Orthodox Israelis and the Torah Study Basic Law.
The field of candidates included sitting members of parliament Michal Woldiger, Ohad Tal, Simcha Rothman, and Zvi Sukkot, alongside Minister Orit Strock. They competed against Zvika Vishengrad, deputy mayor of Petah Tikva, Natan Zaubman, chief executive of the Tikvah program and startup entrepreneur, Omer Rachamim, chief executive of the Yesha Council, Rabbi Shmuel Sasson, head of the Hadar community in Haifa, and Eitan Tam, deputy mayor of Rosh HaAyin.
Following the completion of the ballot count, party director Yehuda Wald officially announced the final results and candidate rankings:
- Bezalel Smotrich
- Orit Strock
- Simcha Rothman
- Zvi Sukkot
- Ohad Tal
- Omer Rachamim
- Michal Woldiger
- Shmuel Sasson
- Zvika Vishengrad
- Eitam Tam
- Natan Zaubman
Party chairman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed confidence in the chosen candidates following the announcement. "The list of candidates chosen tonight, along with our friend Zvika Mor and additional figures who will join soon and expand the representation of the list, will bring, with God's help, victory in the upcoming elections," Smotrich stated.
Party director Yehuda Wald commended the participants and highlighted the internal voting system. "I congratulate all the candidates and those elected to the Religious Zionism list," Wald said, adding, "We proved together the power of a living and real democracy. Together we will continue to lead and influence for the People of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the Land of Israel."
According to official campaign statements provided to Reuters, the finalized slate will form the core of the party's platform as coalition factions prepare for formal campaign launches across the country.
