During the election campaign, the chairman of ‘Religious Zionism’ made it clear to candidate Zvi Sukkot that he would enter the Knesset through the Norwegian law – after pushing him back due to armor. But now, the party is not sure if and when he will be admitted | All details
The coalition parties have begun to implement the Norwegian law in recent days, after the government was sworn in last week, but in the Religious Zionist party they have not yet officially decided whether to implement it.
The candidate who is supposed to enter on behalf of the party is Zvi Sukot, 16th on the list, after Otzma Yehudit implemented the law. ‘Bahadari Haredim’ learned that Sukkot received a promise from party chairman Bezalel Smotrich that he would enter the Knesset through the law.
When the lists were submitted, Smotrich decided to reserve two candidates, MKs Ohad Tal and Moshe Solomon, who pushed Sukkot to an unrealistic place. Sukkot, who was selected through the primaries to the list, was outraged – with some claiming that the reason was fear of his independence, dominance in the settlement and his proximity to the Likud head of council Samaria Yossi Dagan.
During the election campaign, Smotrich reassured Sukkot and claimed that it was not directed against him, and even assured him as stated that he would enter through the Norwegian if the list did not receive 16 mandates. However, in recent days in ‘religious Zionism’ they are cooling down and claim that they have not yet decided whether and how to reserve.
The party says that they will wait after the ministers begin their work, and only then will they begin to check if and when to implement the law and introduce Sukkot. If Smotrich keeps his promise – the law may only be applied later in the term, after the budget is passed or towards the end of the session.
On behalf of Sukkot, it was reported to ‘Bahadari Haredim’: “When there is new information, we will update.” No response was given on behalf of Smotrich.