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

The Religious Zionist Party (RZP), led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is running independently in the October 27, 2026 election. The party's platform focuses on Jewish identity, settlement expansion, and West Bank sovereignty. Smotrich has ruled out a joint run with Ben-Gvir and relying on Arab parties. He supports Netanyahu for prime minister and advocates for judicial reform and West Bank annexation.

The Religious Zionist Party (RZP), led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is running independently in the October 27, 2026 election for the 26th Knesset. The party, founded in 2021, is considered far-right and religious-nationalist, focusing on Jewish identity, settlement expansion, and West Bank sovereignty. In 2022, a joint list with Otzma Yehudit won 14 seats, with RZP holding seven. Smotrich has ruled out a joint run with Ben-Gvir and has also ruled out relying on Arab parties. He has faced criticism over budgets allocating funds to the haredi sector and has pushed for dairy reform. The party supports judicial reform, including limiting the Supreme Court's power. RZP has backed haredi legislation, including a bill enshrining Torah study in the Basic Law. Smotrich advocates for West Bank annexation and dismantling the Palestinian Authority. He supports Netanyahu for prime minister and would seek to join a coalition with haredi parties. Smotrich has said he believes haredim should be enlisted in the IDF.