Netanyahu Bloc Fears Gur Hasidim Will Abstain in Elections

Concerns are mounting within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political bloc that the influential Gur Hasidic community may abstain from voting in the upcoming elections. This potential "Italian strike," as described by Channel 12, would involve no explicit call to boycott the polls but a lack of the usual organizational mobilization to encourage voter turnout.

Sources within the bloc fear that ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and the leadership of the Gur Hasidim could lead to a significant number of its followers not reaching the ballot boxes. Unlike previous election cycles, there is currently little visible election activity or calls to vote within the community's media, and election headquarters have not yet begun operations.

The Gur Hasidim are estimated to hold electoral power of over 30,000 votes and influence other Hasidic groups. The lack of mobilization is causing anxiety for both members of the United Torah Judaism party and Netanyahu's associates.

Further worry stems from the possibility that some Gur followers might vote for the "Black Color" party, potentially diverting votes to a party that may not pass the electoral threshold. This situation is exacerbated by the strained relationship between Netanyahu and the Gur Hasidim during the last term.

The rift is partly attributed to the departure of the community's representative, Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, from the government over disputes concerning the conscription of yeshiva students. Despite the time elapsed, reconciliation has not occurred, and political grievances continue to affect their relationship. Sources within the Gur Hasidim have confirmed to Channel 12 that anger towards Netanyahu exists, and they are currently waiting to assess future developments rather than actively mobilizing voters.