WATCH: RZP will not ally with Ben-Gvir in 2026 elections, Smotrich tells 'Post'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionist Party, told The Jerusalem Post that his party will not run with Itamar Ben-Gvir in the 2026 elections, preferring to run independently. Recent polls show RZP passing the threshold with about five seats. Smotrich defended the 2022 alliance, which brought 64 mandates, and discussed haredi enlistment and coalition plans.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party (RZP), announced in an interview with The Jerusalem Post that his party will not seek an electoral alliance with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the upcoming October 27, 2026 elections. Smotrich stated that the Religious Zionist public can and should run independently as a strong party. Recent polls show RZP just passing the electoral threshold with approximately five seats. In the 2022 elections, RZP ran jointly with Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit, an alliance that Smotrich said brought 64 mandates and a victory for the National Camp led by Netanyahu. Smotrich said he does not regret the past alliance, noting it made him finance minister. He emphasized that he remained a responsible partner in the government, unlike Ben-Gvir who resigned and returned. Smotrich also addressed haredi enlistment, saying he would work to draft haredim through consent and a national program. He criticized opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Lapid, claiming they would form a left-wing government and evacuate settlements. He also mentioned the cost of living, advocating for competition as the solution.