Editor's Notes: The argument splitting religious-Zionist households before Israel’s election

Ahead of Israel's upcoming election, a significant political realignment is emerging within religious-Zionist households, primarily driven by the contentious Haredi conscription bill. This issue is causing divisions, with some voters, traditionally on the Right, considering supporting centrist or left-leaning parties due to their stance on military service equality. For instance, a religious-Zionist man, typically right-wing, is contemplating voting for parties associated with Gadi Eisenkot, despite ideological differences, because of their alignment on the draft. This shift is occurring as several new parties are forming, including those led by Gilad Erdan and Yoaz Hendel, all vying for voters described as "Israelis on the Right with nowhere to go." Polling data indicates that while the undecided voter pool is shrinking, a majority of these voters desire a broad coalition and prioritize cost of living, the war, and draft equality over issues like judicial reform. The article highlights that the core fracture in the electorate is now centered on "who serves, who answers for October 7, and what things cost," rather than traditional political divides.