WATCH: RZP will not ally with Ben-Gvir in 2026 elections, Smotrich tells 'Post'

The Religious Zionist Party (RZP) will not pursue alliances with other parties for the upcoming elections and intends to run independently, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Recent polls indicate the RZP will secure around five seats, enough to enter the Knesset. Smotrich believes his party could succeed without partners, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, with whom the RZP previously ran together in the 2022 elections.

Smotrich stated that he learned responsible actions over the years, resulting in the National Camp's victory and positioning himself as Finance Minister. He expressed regret over running with Ben-Gvir, as the alliance brought 64 mandates, placed him in his current position, and led the National Camp to victory. Smotrich remained a partner to Netanyahu and did not resign from the government during his term, despite Ben-Gvir's departure.

During the war, Smotrich acknowledged several mistakes he would have made differently. The RZP currently holds seven seats in the Knesset, and Smotrich serves as the head of the Settlements Administration. He has faced criticism for advocating West Bank annexation, which has drawn international condemnation and harmed Israel's global standing.

Smotrich proposed enlisting haredim (ultra-Orthodox) in the IDF and forming a framework to achieve this. He also viewed haredi parties as potential coalition partners for the next government and criticized opposition leaders like Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, who allegedly aim to implement left-wing policies.