Israel election 2026: Religious Zionists choose ideological purity as Smotrich faces uphill fight for survival

The Religious Zionist party's internal elections for the 26th Knesset slate, decided by 130 Central Committee members, reinforced its hard-line national-religious (Hardal) and settler identity, moving further from mainstream religious Zionism. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's party continues to struggle near the electoral threshold, indicating a disconnect with a significant portion of the religious Zionist public. Prominent figures like Ofir Sofer and Moshe Solomon withdrew, recognizing the party's shift towards a more Hardal stance. A senior party politician stated, "Smotrich went all in on an entirely Hardal, West Bank-oriented slate." This outcome may accelerate retired general Ofer Winter's decision to enter politics with a broader, unifying party. Smotrich may attempt to broaden the slate through personal appointments, including Tzvika Mor, to improve the party's appeal and ensure his political survival.