Ultra-Orthodox Party Rejects Offer, Vows Knesset Representation

The ultra-Orthodox party led by Moti Leitner has rejected an offer from Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, to be placed eighth and ninth on their Knesset list. Party officials stated that the proposed positions do not guarantee they will pass the electoral threshold or secure adequate representation for the ultra-Orthodox public.

Recent polls suggest Winter's party is polling below the electoral threshold, or at best, securing four to five seats. The Leitner party believes these proposed spots would not ensure their representation in the next Knesset. "The ultra-Orthodox Public Party informed the chairman of the 'Am Israel' party that it will not accept his offer," stated party sources. They added, "We will not agree to an offer that, according to polls, does not guarantee passing the electoral threshold and providing adequate representation for the ultra-Orthodox public."

The party emphasized its commitment to securing Knesset representation regardless of this rejection. "The ultra-Orthodox Public Party stresses that the party will be in the next Knesset, in any form and at any price required," the sources declared.

This development occurs amid mounting pressure on Winter to unite with Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, who urged him to merge lists to prevent vote loss for the right-wing bloc. A significant number of prominent rabbis and yeshiva deans from the Religious Zionist community also called on Winter to join Smotrich's unity initiative, warning against political risks and emphasizing the importance of unity given perceived threats to Israel.

The rabbis' letter urged Winter to "take responsibility and act promptly to continue the important work of the chairman of Religious Zionism, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for unity in the right-wing camp." They stressed that "unity is always good, and certainly when great dangers for all of Israel are at stake." Prominent signatories included Rabbi Eitan Eisenman, Rabbi David Hacohen, and Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, among many others.