Primaries Today in Religious Zionism: The Challenge of Forming an Ideological but Also Moderate List

170 central committee members will vote for five out of ten candidates in the Religious Zionism primaries. Results will be published at 8:00 PM. Smotrich aims for an ideological yet moderate list, against the backdrop of Minister Sofer's departure and competition from rival parties targeting the religious-nationalist public.

The political system continues to prepare for the elections on October 27, and today (Sunday) internal elections will be held in the Religious Zionism party. 170 central committee members, all identified with chairman Bezalel Smotrich, will vote physically at two polling stations: in the morning at the party headquarters in Shoham, and in the afternoon at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem. The results will be announced at 8:00 PM. The list includes ten candidates, and each central committee member can vote for five. Tzvi Mor, father of hostage survivor Eitan Mor, is not running and will enter via a reserved slot. Half of the candidates are current Knesset members and ministers: Settlement Minister Orit Strock, Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman, Michal Waldiger, Ohad Tal, and Tzvi Sukkot. The other five: Deputy Mayor of Petah Tikva Tzvi Vishnegrad, high-tech professional Nathan Zaubman, CEO of the Yesha Council Rahamim Omer, Rabbi Sasson Shmuel, and Deputy Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Eitan Tam. Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer and MK Moshe Solomon announced their departure from the party over disagreement with the legislation on exemption from military service for Haredim. Smotrich's challenge is to form an ideological list for the base, but also moderate enough to attract votes that might drift away, and disciplined to prevent coalition deviations. The issue of moderation has gained importance in light of competing parties: "Yesodot Israel" of Tropper and Hendel, and "Yisrael Beiteinu" of Lieberman, who has added kippah-wearers. Netanyahu's office is monitoring the party's standing in polls, some of which show it not passing the electoral threshold. Religious Zionism is targeting seven seats.