New Haredi Party Leader Vows Support for Netanyahu, Criticizes Rivals

Moti Leitner, chairman of the new Haredi party 'The Haredi Public,' has set a goal of at least two Knesset seats in the upcoming elections and pledged unequivocal support for Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister. In an interview with 'Kikar HaShabbat,' Leitner firmly rejected allegations that his party receives funding from left-wing sources, stating all donations come from right-wing individuals and Torah scholars and are legally reported.

Leitner outlined his party's approach to military conscription, proposing to cancel sanctions against Torah students and expand existing Haredi service tracks within the IDF. He sharply criticized politicians he deems populist, accusing them of doing nothing to facilitate Haredi military service according to their beliefs and of only seeking votes before elections.

Addressing the issue of female representation, Leitner explained his decision not to include women on the party's list, arguing that the core issues facing the Haredi community are not related to female representation. He emphasized that his party aims to represent all segments of the Haredi public, including Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Hasidim, and immigrants, a unity he believes is lacking in current Haredi political parties.

Leitner also advised potential voters to consult their rabbis before deciding to vote for his party, noting that hundreds of rabbis and Rebbes support his movement. He reiterated his commitment to supporting the 'religious bloc' candidate for prime minister, explicitly stating his support is for Netanyahu.

Regarding campaign funding, Leitner committed to spending up to the legal limit and stated that all financial activities are conducted with close legal counsel and reported to the State Comptroller. He asserted that all donors are exclusively from the world of Torah study and yeshivas, and from the right-wing camp, to align with the party's values.