Religious Zionist Party

Defying Netanyahu pressure to merge, Winter submits People of Israel's list ahead of 2026 election

Party leaders lock in lists at Knesset ahead of Tuesday deadline, last chance for alliances

Amcha Yisrael party chairman Ofer Winter speaks during a press conference in Tel Aviv, September 2, 2026.
Moshe Feiglin attends a hearing at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem on petitions challenging the UNRWA laws passed by the Knesset, August 3, 2026

Feiglin: There was 'terrible betrayal dismantling IDF' before Oct. 7 massacre, forgives Smotrich

 Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony commemorating Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers, or Yom HaZikaron, at the Military Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem April 21, 2026.

'October 7 treason?' 40% of Israelis believe there was 'betrayal from within' during massacre

Avigdor Liberman leads Yisrael Beytenu, it is polling at around 10 seats.

Liberman urges opposition to forge alliances with small parties near electoral threshold


Smotrich enters joint ticket talks with former Likud MK Feiglin as Likud slams Ben-Gvir

Simultaneously, tensions grew between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Likud party after he announced that Otzma Yehudit would not run together with the Religious Zionist Party.

(L-R): National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen in the Knesset plenum, December 29, 2022

Ofer Winter, unification of Arab parties, shake up Knesset seats, push RZP below threshold - poll

The data shows that Winter’s entry has created greater complexity within the coalition bloc. Without him, the bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu receives 43 seats, while with him it rises to 48 seats.

The launch of the new People of Israel party, led by Ofer Winter, ahead of the upcoming Israeli general elections, in Jerusalem, August 25, 2026.

A new Right? Winter’s People of Israel could secure six seats, at expense of Smotrich's RZP - poll

Although the Religious Zionism Party also received six seats, it would fail to cross the threshold to enter Knesset, according to the Wendesday poll.

Ofer Winter speaks during his party announcement event on August 25, 2026.

Smotrich scolds Sukkot over destroying West Bank monument as RZP members fear 'political suicide'

Smotrich reportedly told Sukkot he should not have acted without proper authorization and authority, and demanded that he not do it again.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (R) and MK Zvi Sukkot (L) attending a conference in the Knesset regarding occupying parts of the Gaza Strip and re-establishing Jewish settlements in the enclave, July 22, 2025; illustrative.

Netanyahu condemns Sukkot as opposition says MK endangered IDF soldiers for TikTok views

Sukkot's behavior is a "disgrace" to public leaders, Eisenkot stated. "He lied and deceived the IDF and its commanders, harmed security and tarnished the entire State of Israel."

MK Zvi Sukkot and several others seen smashing a monument in in Kafr Madama near Nablus, August 25, 2026.

'A small taste': MK Sukkot confirms he destroyed monument in West Bank town while guarded by IDF

The IDF confirmed that it had diverted troops from standard operational duties to guard Sukkot and his aides on what he called a 'memorial tour' in several villages in Areas A and B in the West Bank.

MK Zvi Sukkot and several others seen smashing a monument in in Kafr Madama near Nablus, August 25, 2026.

Netanyahu warns against small right-wing parties, says they could hand election to 'fascist Left'

The prime minister's statement also came as Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad officially registered a new Right-wing party under the name "Brave Israel" on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his ballot at his party Likud's main polling station during primary elections ahead of Israel's general election in October in Jerusalem on August 17, 2026; illustrative

Likud fears new right-wing parties, alliances could split vote below electoral threshold - analysis

Senior Likud officials have urged Netanyahu to consider reserving a spot for Haddad on the Likud list in order to prevent him from joining Winter and creating another force to Likud's right.

Voters casting ballots in Israel's 25th Knesset election

Israel Election 2026: What does Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party stand for?

"If I put this ballot in the box, what government, policies, and political reality am I helping create?"

(L-R) Religious Zionist Party (RZP) MK Simcha Rothman and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shake hands at the RZP primaries ahead of the 2026 Israeli  election, in Jerusalem, July 26, 2026

Eight ministers, lawmakers wanted to leave Netanyahu's Likud for Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir reveals

"They see Otzma's polls, they saw how strong we are, and they wanted to join," Ben-Gvir elaborated.

The minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir