Avi Wurtzman, a candidate on the Bayit Hayehudi (Jewish Home) list for the Knesset, responded on Monday night to Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz’s decision to join forces with MK Zevulun Orlev.

"With all due respect to Minister Hershkowitz, this is not the news that religious Zionism is so looking forward to,” said Wurtzman. “The public expects change and a new leadership and this is not the news that will bring 10 to 12 seats and bring hundreds of thousands of voters back to their natural home.”

He added, “The general public and the younger generation expect leaders who will represent them faithfully. The only way to bring back those who have left the party over the years is to elect a new, fresh and idealistic leadership headed by Naftali Bennett.”