Ultra-Orthodox Party Leader Denies Left-Wing Funding Claims

Moti Leitner, chairman of the new ultra-Orthodox party "The Public's Torah," has vehemently denied accusations from established Haredi parties that his campaign is being funded by left-wing elements and the 'Kaplan' protest movement. Leitner dismissed these claims as "crazy conspiracies" in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat.

Leitner asserted that his party intends to utilize its full legal election budget, estimated to be around 15 to 16 million shekels. He stated that all donations received so far come exclusively from individuals associated with the right-wing and the Torah world. He emphasized the party's strict adherence to election funding laws, noting that all financial activities are conducted under close legal counsel and that nearly one million shekels have already been publicly reported on the State Comptroller's website.

"Every shekel is reported. There isn't a single campaign, a purchased media ad, an employee in the headquarters, not one accounting action that isn't done with close legal advice," Leitner explained. He reiterated that the party is careful to ensure all donors are from the world of Torah and yeshivas and are right-wing supporters, aligning with the party's identity as part of the "faithful bloc."