Likud and Religious Zionism Forge Closer Alliance Ahead of Elections
Likud and Religious Zionism are strengthening their political alliance ahead of the upcoming elections, launching a joint field operation and vote-surplus agreement while isolating National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The political alliance between the Likud party and Religious Zionism is solidifying ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, marked by a joint campaign aimed at securing the right-wing bloc's majority. Sources within both factions indicate that relations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have grown closer, particularly after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir briefly exited the government over a hostage release agreement, while Smotrich remained loyal.
Joint Field Operations and Strategic Coordination
The cooperation includes a unified field headquarters led by Yesha Council Chairman Yisrael Ganz for Likud and Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim for Smotrich. The headquarters is mapping past election results to identify untapped voter potential and increase turnout in target cities. Additionally, Likud and Religious Zionism have signed a vote-surplus agreement, ensuring that unused ballots will not be wasted within the bloc.
"On one hand, Likud and Religious Zionism appeal to different audiences, which is why our messaging varies," a senior source in Smotrich's party explained. "Yet on the other hand, we are all converging toward a single goal—forming a large coalition and winning the elections."
Growing Isolation of Itamar Ben Gvir
The strengthening ties between Netanyahu and Smotrich have coincided with a growing rift involving Itamar Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party. During a recent large-scale conference organized by Religious Zionism, Netanyahu attended and sat next to Smotrich, while Ben Gvir was not invited. Sources in Likud accuse Ben Gvir of running a personalized campaign aimed at growing at Likud's expense rather than focusing on defeating the opposition.
Tensions escalated further following a campaign advertisement by Otzma Yehudit asserting that "had Ben Gvir been defense minister, October 7 would not have happened." Coalition partners viewed the statement as provocative, driving Netanyahu and Smotrich closer together as they compete for similar right-wing voters.
"Instead of directing his energies outward, Ben Gvir is framing the elections as a choice within the right-wing bloc—either Netanyahu or Ben Gvir. That is unreasonable," a senior Religious Zionism source stated.
