Full Breakdown
Religious Zionist Party Finalizes Knesset Slate Ahead of 2026 Elections
7/27/2026, 1:57:34 AM
Core Event
On a Sunday, more than 100 members of the Religious Zionist Party (RZP) voted at polling stations in Jerusalem and at the party headquarters in Shoham to approve the final Knesset slate for the upcoming elections. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich retained the top spot and will choose candidates for two of the party’s top-10 slots. One reserved slot is earmarked for Zvika Mor, the father of former hostage Eitan Mor, who was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and released in October 2025. The completed list must be submitted to the Central Elections Committee before September 9.
Background & Context
The RZP is a far-right party led by Smotrich, who also heads the Defense Ministry’s Settlements Administration. In the 2022 election cycle the party ran together with the Otzma Yehudit Party, headed by Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Parties in Israel are not required to hold primaries, and only a few, including the RZP, do so. The slate includes incumbent MKs Orit Strock, Simcha Rothman, Zvi Sukkot and Ohad Tal, as well as new figures such as Deputy Mayors Tzvika Weizengrad (Petah Tikva) and Eitan Tam (Rosh Ha’ayin).
Data & Statistics
- Recent polls indicate the RZP is just above the electoral threshold, projected to win approximately five seats.
- The party currently holds seven seats in the Knesset.
- The top-ten list features two reserved slots for Smotrich, one of which will go to Zvika Mor.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the party cares for the country’s security, will implement fixes to the judicial system, and aims to bring real democracy, while noting the shekel’s strength.
Criticism & Opposition
MK Moshe Solomon publicly criticized recent legislation supported by the RZP that opponents claim encourages draft evasion amid the Israel Defense Forces’ manpower crisis. After voting against a separate bill to enshrine Torah study in Basic Law, Solomon was removed from all Knesset committee assignments by Smotrich as a disciplinary measure. Additionally, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Solomon announced they will not run in the upcoming election, signaling internal dissent within the party.
