Smotrich and Feiglin in talks for joint electoral run in Israel

Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance and chairman of the Religious Zionism party, is negotiating with Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, to form a technical alliance for the upcoming elections. According to a report by Amit Segal, under the emerging agreement, Feiglin is expected to occupy the second spot on the joint slate, with additional positions at eighth and tenth. These negotiations follow concerns that the Religious Zionism party may fail to cross the electoral threshold, particularly after the entry of Ofer Winter into politics, which polls suggest has diverted support from Smotrich's party. Members of the Zehut party estimate their current electoral strength at one Knesset seat, and Smotrich aims to use this merger to consolidate the ideological right. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not directly involved in the talks but has expressed support for the initiative. Both Smotrich and Feiglin have confirmed that discussions are underway but declined to comment on specific details.