Netanyahu in Talks with Ultra-Orthodox Party Chairman Over Election Withdrawal
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is negotiating with Moti Leitner, chairman of the "Hachareidi Public" party, to convince him to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections. Despite reported progress, Netanyahu has not committed to future positions for Leitner. The "Hachareidi Public" party insists it will continue its campaign, though recent polls indicate it is unlikely to pass the electoral threshold.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is negotiating with "Hachareidi Public" party chairman Moti Leitner about withdrawing from the Knesset race.
- The "Hachareidi Public" party has stated it intends to continue its campaign and not withdraw from the elections.
- Leitner claims his party is experiencing growing support and will be the "surprise of the elections."
- Recent polls show the "Hachareidi Public" party failing to pass the electoral threshold.
- Netanyahu has not yet committed to offering Leitner a government role or a realistic spot on a future list.
Nine days before the elections, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reportedly in negotiations with Moti Leitner, chairman of the "Hachareidi Public" party, in an effort to persuade him to withdraw from the Knesset race. The report, by Channel 12's senior correspondent Amit Segal, indicates progress in the discussions.
However, Netanyahu has so far refused to commit to offering Leitner a ministerial position in the next government or a realistic spot on a future election list. The "Hachareidi Public" party has publicly stated its intention to remain in the race, with Leitner asserting, "We do not have the privilege to withdraw. We must not withdraw. We have a huge public that expects us to represent them." He also claimed growing support, predicting the party would be the "surprise of the elections."
Leitner's statements contrast sharply with recent polls, which show the "Hachareidi Public" party failing to cross the electoral threshold. Surveys by i24NEWS, Channel 14, and Kan News all place the party below the required percentage of votes to enter the Knesset.
Last week, reports also emerged of discussions between associates of Bezalel Smotrich and Leitner, which Leitner denied at the time. It remains to be seen whether the current negotiations will lead to an agreement for Leitner's party to withdraw, or if he will proceed with his campaign despite the unfavorable poll numbers.
