Smotrich to JNS: 'We are in an election campaign that pits the right against the left'

Israel's Religious Zionism Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, held its internal primary on Monday at Jerusalem's Ramada Hotel for the upcoming October 27 national elections. Settlements and National Missions Minister Orit Strock placed first, followed by Knesset members Simcha Rothman, Zvi Sukkot, Ohad Tal, and Omer Rahamim. Smotrich, who will head the list, stated, "We are in an election campaign that pits the right against the left." He warned against a left-wing government establishing a Palestinian state and undermining Jewish identity, urging Israelis not to be complacent. The party's platform emphasizes strengthening Israel's Jewish identity, judicial reform, and expanding Jewish communities. Recent polls project the party will secure four to five seats in the next Knesset.