Likud weighs reserving slot for Smotrich as RZP risks falling below electoral threshold
Senior Likud figures are discussing whether bringing Bezalel Smotrich onto the party's slate could help preserve religious-Zionist support if his party struggles to clear the electoral threshold
Assessment
The viability of Religious Zionist Party under Smotrich is in jeopardy, forcing Likud to consider absorbing him onto its own list. This internal calculation reflects the strategic imperative to retain right-wing religious votes that might otherwise be wasted. The outcome will shape coalition arithmetic and the political leverage of the religious camp.