Religious Zionist Party Chairman Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Zehut Chairman Moshe Feiglin declared this evening (Tuesday) that they will run together as a technical bloc in the upcoming elections.
As part of the agreement between the parties, Feiglin will receive places 2, 8, 10 and 11 on the list. It was reported that after the process is completed, an effort will be made to include additional parties.
The parties stated: "The connection between religious Zionism and identity is the first connection, in a move to unite forces in the national camp. As part of the agreements, the possibility of joining additional parties, forces and individuals from the right was preserved. The goal is to form a right-wing bloc as broad as possible, to connect the fragments of the parties in the national camp and to ensure that the votes of the right will be translated into a political force that will enable the establishment of a strong right-wing government.".
Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized: "The upcoming elections are critical elections for the future of the national camp and the future of the State of Israel. Security, settlement, the legal system, preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, and our ability to continue to lead the major changes that the State of Israel needs - everything is at stake.".
He said, "At a moment like this, you have to take responsibility. Not just for your party, but for the entire camp. Our responsibility is to join forces, expand the camp, and not allow right-wing voices to get lost. I'm glad Moshe answered the call and decided to set out with us.".
Smotrich emphasized: "There are differences between us and we do not seek to obscure them. Each of us maintains his identity and path, but we both understand that the great task now is the victory of the national camp. As far as I am concerned, this is the first connection, not the last. We are appealing to all parties and forces that see the right as their home: Come join. We do not have to agree on everything to take responsibility together. We will do whatever is necessary to unite the camp, prevent the loss of votes and ensure that, with God's help, a strong right-wing government will be established here that will protect the security of Israel, the Land of Israel, and the future of the State of Israel.".
Moshe Feiglin noted that unity is needed at this time. "We set out with 'Zehut' out of a deep understanding that the State of Israel needs a new spirit, hope, faith in the righteousness of the path, and a vision of freedom and true victory. For an entire year, we made it clear that the magnitude of the hour requires national responsibility and joint determination. We promised our vast public of supporters that we would not jeopardize a single vote, that we would do everything so that their voices would not be wasted, and that our values would receive full, strong, and influential representation. We met this mission in full.
""Tonight we bring the news that so many have been waiting for and embark on a joint move designed to maximize the power of the national and faith camp. We have done our part and secured the house for all our supporters - now the responsibility passes to you, the public.".
""I call on everyone who holds the Land of Israel, the security of the state, and human freedom dear to their hearts: Now is the time to enlist, join, support, and vote en masse for the Joint List. Together, with strength and determination, we will lead the campaign, preserve the integrity of the land, and bring the people of Israel the decisive and absolute victory.".
The chairman of the 'Amach Yisrael' party, Ofer Winter, rejected the possibility of a political union with Smotrich and Feiglin.
""The people of Israel demand something new, not more of the same," Winter argued. "Anyone who truly seeks to integrate Haredim into the IDF, to truly give our servicemen and their families, our heroes and heroines, what they deserve. To truly bring about a decision, in Gaza and in all sectors - 'Amech Yisrael' is the only address for him.".
According to him, "We will not be a puppet of Gafni and Goldknopf at the expense of the servants. We came to bring new news to the people of Israel. Something new must arise here. We mean what we say. This is the will of the people that demands something different - and for it we are here. Friends, what was will not be.".
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Winter to come to his senses.
Ben Gvir: "I congratulate my friends in the Religious Zionist and Ze'edu parties on their unification. This is the right act that ensures for them and for the bloc passing the electoral threshold.".
He addressed Winter: "On this occasion, I call on Ofer Winter, whose party did not pass the threshold in any of the three polls on the channels last night, to prove your commitment to the right-wing bloc, do the right thing and unite with Smotrich and Feiglin.".
""There is no room for a separate run for any party that does not pass the threshold.".
