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Smotrich, former Likud MK Feiglin sign on joint run for October elections
IL🏛️ PoliticsConservativeOverlooked by progressives9/1/2026

Smotrich, former Likud MK Feiglin sign on joint run for October elections

Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, and right-wing politician Moshe Feiglin have agreed to run on a joint ticket in the upcoming October elections. This alliance aims to consolidate right-wing votes and prevent any right-wing voter from being split across different parties. Smotrich emphasized that the partnership would ensure all right-wing votes are unified under one banner. Feiglin's party, Zehut, and Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party (RZP) both advocate for far-right security policies, including the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza. However, RZP has been hovering near the electoral threshold, while Feiglin's party failed to meet it in recent polls. There are indications that Smotrich and Feiglin may try to bring Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter into their coalition, as his People of Israel party could threaten Smotrich's chances. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged voters not to support smaller right-wing parties, fearing that fragmentation could lead to a loss of influence for his coalition.

Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and right-wing politician Moshe Feiglin announced on Tuesday that they will run on the same ticket in the upcoming October elections. The move comes as the deadline approaches for submitting party lists, with Smotrich and Feiglin aiming to consolidate right-wing voting power ahead of the ballot. The two leaders signed an agreement forming a technical electoral bloc, allowing their parties, Religious Zionism and Zehut, to retain their separate identities, platforms, and principles while combining their efforts for the election. Smotrich emphasized that the alliance aims to prevent right-wing votes from being wasted if smaller parties fail to meet the electoral threshold. He described the collaboration as the first step in a broader effort to unify right-wing factions under a common banner. Smotrich noted that the upcoming election holds significant stakes for the future of Israel, citing issues such as security, settlements, the judicial system, and the prevention of a Palestinian state as key concerns. He stressed the need for unity within the right-wing camp, stating that the central mission now is securing victory for the national camp. Feiglin, who previously served in Likud before founding Zehut in 2015, described the alliance as a means to ensure that the values of his party, rooted in hope, ideological conviction, individual liberty, and what he termed "genuine victory", are fully represented. He urged supporters who prioritize national security, the Land of Israel, and personal freedom to back the combined ticket. The agreement leaves room for additional right-wing parties and candidates to join the alliance, with Smotrich calling on others who see the right as their political home to participate. However, the exact structure of the combined slate, including the placement of candidates on the electoral list, has yet to be disclosed. The alliance follows earlier attempts by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring together Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who heads the far-right Otzma Yehudit Party. Ben-Gvir had previously rejected such an alliance, prompting speculation that Smotrich and Feiglin were exploring alternative options. Smotrich has indicated that he intends to remain part of Netanyahu’s bloc in the upcoming elections, despite the formation of this new alliance. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has urged right-wing voters not to support smaller parties, warning that a fragmented right-wing vote could weaken his camp and potentially allow the opposition to form the next government. Recent polling suggests that Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter’s new People of Israel party could gain five seats, primarily at the expense of Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party, which risks falling below the electoral threshold. According to Israeli media, Smotrich and Feiglin may attempt to persuade Winter to join their joint ticket. Winter, however, has dismissed the idea of joining the alliance, stating that the people of Israel want something new. His stance reflects a growing sentiment among some voters seeking alternatives to the established right-wing parties. The formation of the Smotrich-Feiglin alliance highlights the ongoing fragmentation within Israel’s right-wing political landscape. While both parties share common ground on security and settlement policies, they differ in their economic stances, with Zehut advocating for libertarian policies and the legalization of cannabis. The alliance is expected to face challenges in uniting disparate factions under a single banner, but both leaders expressed confidence in the potential for broader cooperation. As the deadline for submitting party lists approaches, the outcome of this alliance will play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

The Times of Israel logoThe Times of IsraelIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 859/1/2026
Smotrich, Feiglin announce joint election run, urge other right-wing parties to join

The article reports that Israeli religious Zionist leader Tzahav Smotrich and Knesset member Yair Feiglin have announced a joint electoral campaign, urging other right-wing parties to unite under their banner. Smotrich warned that the achievements of the current government could be jeopardized if the upcoming election does not result in a strong right-wing coalition. In response to criticism from labor unions, Feiglin's ally Ofer Winter dismissed concerns, stating that 'the people of Israel want something new.' The piece highlights the growing alignment among right-wing factions ahead of the election.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the joint election run of Smotrich and Feiglin as a positive move toward unity within the right-wing bloc, emphasizing their call for other parties to join. It portrays their stance as representing the desires of the Israeli public ('people of Israel want something new'), which is

Why factuality (95): The article provides detailed information about Smotrich and Feiglin announcing a joint election run and their call for other right-wing parties to join. This is corroborated by other sources and aligns with the cross-source consensus. Highly factual.

Why objectivity (85): While the article presents the facts clearly, it includes quotes from Smotrich and dismissive remarks from Ofer Winter, which could be seen as giving more weight to one perspective over another.

The Jerusalem Post logoThe Jerusalem PostIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 809/1/2026
Smotrich, former Likud MK Feiglin sign on joint run for October elections

Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, and right-wing politician Moshe Feiglin have agreed to run on a joint ticket in the upcoming October elections. This alliance aims to consolidate right-wing votes and prevent any right-wing voter from being split across different parties. Smotrich emphasized that the partnership would ensure all right-wing votes are unified under one banner. Feiglin's party, Zehut, and Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party (RZP) both advocate for far-right security policies, including the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza. However, RZP has been hovering near the electoral threshold, while Feiglin's party failed to meet it in recent polls. There are indications that Smotrich and Feiglin may try to bring Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter into their coalition, as his People of Israel party could threaten Smotrich's chances. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged voters not to support smaller right-wing parties, fearing that fragmentation could lead to a loss of influence for his coalition.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the alliance between Smotrich and Feiglin as a strategic move to consolidate right-wing votes, emphasizing their shared far-right policies and the potential threat posed by smaller parties like Winter's. While the article presents factual information about the political landscape,

Why factuality (95): The article provides comprehensive details about Smotrich and Feiglin's alliance, including quotes and background on their political positions and the implications for the election. It aligns closely with other sources and is highly factual.

Why objectivity (80): The article includes direct quotes from Smotrich and mentions Ben-Gvir's rejection of the alliance, which could be seen as presenting a balanced view. However, the detailed focus on Smotrich's statements may give him more prominence than other figures.

Haaretz logoHaaretzIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
Smotrich Allys With Fringe Ex-lawmaker as Netanyahu Bids to Consolidate His Bloc

The article discusses Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir (Smotrich) forming an alliance with a former fringe lawmaker, likely aiming to strengthen his political bloc ahead of upcoming elections. This move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to consolidate his support base by aligning with various factions within the right-wing coalition. The alliance could influence the balance of power within the ruling party and impact future governance strategies. Such moves are common during election periods when politicians aim to secure broader backing.

Bias read (Conservative): The article focuses on right-wing political alliances and consolidation efforts by Netanyahu, indicating a framing aligned with conservative or right-leaning politics. The emphasis on strengthening the right-wing bloc suggests a pro-right perspective.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports Smotrich's alliance with a fringe ex-lawmaker as part of Netanyahu's strategy to consolidate his bloc. This aligns with multiple sources reporting similar alliances. Factually sound and consistent with cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The language is neutral, focusing on the political maneuvering without overt bias. However, the phrasing 'Bids to Consolidate His Bloc' might imply a slight editorial preference for Netanyahu's strategy.

i24NEWS logoi24NEWSIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
Smotrich And Feiglin Join Forces Ahead Of Israeli Election

The article reports that Israeli politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir (Smotrich) and Tzahav Feiglin have formed a coalition ahead of the upcoming Israeli election. The move is seen as significant due to their shared nationalist and religious Zionist policies, which could influence the political landscape. The alliance aims to consolidate support among right-wing voters and strengthen their position in the electoral race. This development reflects growing trends within Israel’s political scene toward more unified right-wing platforms.

Bias read (Conservative): The article highlights the formation of a coalition between two prominent right-wing figures, emphasizing their alignment on nationalist and religious Zionist policies. While the tone remains neutral, the focus on their ideological unity and potential impact on the election suggests a framing that倾斜

Why factuality (90): The article accurately states that Smotrich and Feiglin have joined forces ahead of the Israeli election, consistent with reports from other outlets. Factually accurate and aligned with cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The headline and content present the information objectively, though the phrase 'Join Forces' could be interpreted as having a slightly positive connotation, which may lean toward favoring the alliance.

The Jerusalem Post logoThe Jerusalem PostIndependentConservativeFactual 75Objective 608/28/2026
The world is watching Israel’s election while ignoring the Palestinian one - opinion

The article discusses the disparity in international media attention between Israel's upcoming election and the Palestinian elections. The author, Gil Hoffman, highlights how Israeli politicians often prioritize domestic political gains over international perception, leading to negative global coverage. Specific examples include Itamar Ben-Gvir's controversial statements and policies, such as advocating for the execution of Palestinians convicted of terrorism, which have drawn global condemnation. International outlets like The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, and others have reported on these issues, sometimes misrepresenting Ben-Gvir's rhetoric. Defense Minister Israel Katz's hawkish campaign messaging and the broader escalation in tensions with Turkey are also noted. The piece suggests that tough political rhetoric is not exclusive to any one faction and criticizes the lack of balanced coverage of Palestinian electoral processes.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Israeli political figures and policies in a manner that emphasizes their hardline stances, particularly those aligned with the right-wing factions. It highlights the global criticism of leaders like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Katz, portraying their actions as provocative and inhum

Why factuality (75): The article references external sources like The Guardian and The Los Angeles Times, suggesting some factual basis for claims about Itamar Ben-Gvir. However, it does not provide direct quotes or specific details from these sources, making it difficult to verify the exact nature of the reports. The a

Why objectivity (60): The article presents itself as an opinion piece, so it is expected to have a subjective tone. However, it frames Israeli political actions in a negative light without providing balanced perspectives on the Palestinian elections or counterpoints from other sources. The language used, such as 'Israel’

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