Gaza War Election Drama: Gur's Boycott Threat, Porush's Primary Bomb, and Poll Shocks
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
With 12 days until elections, the Gur Hasidic dynasty is threatening an election boycott or protest vote, causing concern for the right-wing bloc. MK Meir Porush has sparked debate by calling for primaries in Haredi parties. Shas is seeing a poll boost from the legacy of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef but faces a threat from the 'Achi' party. The 'HaTzibur HaHaredi' party has seen a sharp decline in polls, raising questions about its electoral future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Gur Hasidic dynasty may boycott the upcoming elections or protest vote, worrying the right-wing bloc.
- MK Meir Porush has called for primaries within Haredi parties, a move sparking debate.
- Shas is gaining support from Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's legacy but is threatened by the 'Achi' party.
- The 'HaTzibur HaHaredi' party has suffered a significant drop in recent polls.
- Faction chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf is expected to secure a Knesset seat regardless of Gur's actions.
With 12 days until the elections, a significant concern is gripping the Haredi street and the right-wing bloc: the possibility that the Gur Hasidic dynasty will boycott the upcoming elections or protest by voting for the 'Tzeva Shachor' party. Analysts are delving into past grievances and harsh accusations from within Gur against their partners in 'Shlomei Emunim' and 'Degel HaTorah.' This comes despite the paradox that faction chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf is almost guaranteed a seat in the next Knesset regardless of the outcome. The panel debated whether this is merely a warning signal or if the Admor of Gur will ultimately order his followers to vote for 'Yahadut HaTorah.'
Further discussion focused on MK Meir Porush's surprising statement advocating for primaries within Haredi parties, calling it "the best and most important thing." Commentators are divided on whether this is a calculated election tactic to attract disgruntled voters or a strategic declaration that could reshape Haredi politics. The panel also questioned whether the Haredi leadership and "Gedolei Yisrael" (great rabbis of Israel) would ever approve such a democratic move.
Shas's election campaign received a boost from the "Hilulat Maran" week commemorating Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, with a recent Channel 12 poll showing an increase in support. This highlights the electoral power of Rabbi Yosef's memory and legacy. However, Shas's campaign team is concerned about the threat from the 'Achi' party, which is expected to siphon off thousands of crucial votes from the traditional right-wing base that would otherwise go to Shas.
Finally, the panel analyzed the complex situation of the 'HaTzibur HaHaredi' party, which experienced a significant drop in the latest Channel 12 poll. They discussed whether this signifies the end of the list's political journey before the ballots even open, or if there's still a dormant potential to garner tens of thousands of votes from various segments of the Haredi sector and surprise on election day.
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