Religious Zionist Party

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
The minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir

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

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks with 'Jerusalem Post' Editor in Chief Zvika Klein, August 12, 2026.

The secret Smotrich kept from his wife: Israel was going to war with Iran - interview

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

WATCH: 'I know how to act responsibly': Smotrich outlines election strategy, plan to draft haredim


'Arabs want to live': Left-wing protesters attempt to breach Religious Zionist party headquarters

Party members were instructed by their leadership not to leave their offices, and Israel Police are en route to the scene.

Standing Together Activists protest inside of the Religious Zionist Paty's headquarters on August 5, 2026.

My Word: 'Wholocide' is 'libelocide' - opinion

In a world under constant threat of global jihad, blaming the Jews remains reliable and familiar. The real genocide has been either ignored or accepted.

A MAN carries a placard during a pro-Palestinian rally calling on Britain’s incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to stand up for Gazans, in London earlier this month.

Bennett losing ground as Eisenkot, Netanyahu neck-and-neck for upcoming elections - poll

According to the poll, if elections were held today, Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot would each lead with 23 seats, an increase of two seats for each compared with the previous poll.

Chairman of the “Together” party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during a press conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

With Eisenkot and PM neck and neck, how ugly will election campaign get? - opinion

Likud struggles to find a successful way to discredit a growingly-popular candidate, prompting it to resort to cheap AI tricks

Former IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar Party.

Ben-Gvir rules out running with Smotrich for elections, says parties are 'fundamentally different'

The Otzma Yehudit leader said the parties appeal to different voters, warned against a unity government, and defended his policies on Gaza and security prisons.

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir at a press conference, June 22 2026.

'We want them to feel at home': RZP has done 'a great deal' for olim, Smotrich tells 'Post'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tells The Jerusalem Post why new immigrants should support the Religious Zionist Party in the upcoming election.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party head Bezalel Smotrich at the primary count, Jerusalem, July 26, 2026.

Netanyahu's Likud falls to lowest position since June 2025 as Eisenkot reaches new heights - poll

A new Maariv poll shows Likud at its weakest level since June 2025, while Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar reaches a record 23 seats and Bennett maintains his lead over Netanyahu in the prime ministerial race.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Knesset vote, July 16, 2026.

Religious Zionist Party unveils Knesset primary candidates as Bezalel Smotrich leads slate

Candidates running who are currently members of the Knesset include National Missions Minister Orit Strock, along with MKs Michal Woldiger, Ohad Tal, Zvi Sukkot, and Simcha Rothman.

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 6, 2026.

Netanyahu's coalition falls to 48 seats, opposition gets 62 seats after legislative blitz - poll

The poll found that 83% of voters oppose the inclusion of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties in the coalition that is formed after the elections, while only 8% support it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi are seen in the Knesset plenum during a vote on the minister's communications reform, in Jerusalem, July 16, 2026

Israeli politics is driving out its mensches, and the country will pay the price - comment

On Wednesday, Sofer announced he will not run for the next Knesset.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer speaks to individuals at an aliyah event.