Ultra-Orthodox Anger Grows Ahead of Elections Over Draft Exemption
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Frustration is mounting in Israel's ultra-Orthodox community over the government's handling of yeshiva students' draft exemptions, a key election promise. Protests have emerged, with some vowing not to vote or even to support Arab parties instead. Internal divisions within the ultra-Orthodox political bloc, particularly Agudat Yisrael, are evident, impacting election campaign messaging and potentially lowering turnout. Analysts worry the party may struggle to secure enough seats in the upcoming elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox voters express anger over draft exemption failures, threatening election support.
- Protesters consider abstaining or voting for Arab parties over perceived betrayal by their own leaders.
- Agudat Yisrael faces internal divisions and unusual silence from key Hasidic factions like Gur.
- The ultra-Orthodox newspaper HaModia selectively published directives to vote, highlighting factional rifts.
- MK Eliyahu Stark declared the Belz faction's newfound independent power, reducing reliance on central leadership.
- Analysts fear Agudat Yisrael may struggle to reach the five-seat threshold in the upcoming elections.
As Israeli elections approach, significant frustration is brewing within the ultra-Orthodox community, particularly concerning the handling of yeshiva students' military draft exemptions. This issue was a key promise made before the current government took office, and many in the community feel their representatives have failed to uphold it over the past four years.
Recent protests have seen vocal criticism, with one demonstrator stating a preference for voting for Arab parties, whom they accused of "killing us," over their own parties, which they claimed were causing them to sin. Another vowed not to vote at all, while a third suggested abstention as the most effective protest. These sentiments suggest a potential sharp decline in voter turnout.
The discontent is not confined to fringe elements. Veteran voters for Agudat Yisrael, especially within the Gur Hasidic sect, are notably silent. This faction, usually a driving force in election campaigns, is unusually quiet this year. Some attribute this to tensions with the Belz Hasidic faction, while others point to internal disputes within Agudat Yisrael.
This silence is reflected in the party's newspaper, HaModia, which published a directive from the Sadigura Rebbe to vote for Agudat Yisrael (symbol G) but omitted a similar directive from the Boyan Rebbe. The rival newspaper, HaMevaser, did publish both directives. This selective reporting highlights internal divisions and a shift in power dynamics.
Adding to the tension, MK Eliyahu Stark, representing the Belz faction, declared at a recent activists' meeting that his group is now in a position of power and no longer needs to beg for resources. This message signals that the Belz faction believes it has independent strength. Political observers express concern over the party's challenges, with some estimating Agudat Yisrael might struggle to reach the five-seat threshold, though many still believe the community will ultimately vote according to the directives of their senior rabbis.
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