Smotrich Says Religious Zionism Will Run Without Ben-Gvir in 2026 Election

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Religious Zionism will run independently in Israel's 2026 election and will not seek a joint slate with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. He said the Religious Zionist public should field a large, strong party of its own, while adding that he did not regret their 2022 alliance, which he credited with helping Netanyahu's bloc win 64 seats. Recent polls cited in the interview place Religious Zionism near five seats, compared with its current seven. Smotrich said he intends to remain in Netanyahu's camp and views the Haredi parties as prospective coalition partners ahead of the election scheduled for October 27.