Netanyahu Seeks to Prevent Haredi Party's Election Run
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Religious Zionism Chairman Bezalel Smotrich are actively trying to convince Moti Leitner, leader of the "Haredi Public" party, to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections. The move is aimed at preventing a "wasted vote" scenario that could harm the right-wing bloc. Leitner, however, has rejected the calls to withdraw, stating his party will be the "surprise of the elections."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is working to convince the Haredi Public party to withdraw from elections.
- Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich are negotiating with party leader Moti Leitner.
- The goal is to prevent "wasted votes" from potentially harming the right-wing bloc.
- Leitner stated his party has no "privilege to withdraw" and expects to be the "surprise of the elections."
- Recent polls show the Haredi Public party below the electoral threshold.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making significant efforts to persuade the "Haredi Public" party, led by Moti Leitner, not to run in the upcoming Knesset elections. Netanyahu, along with Bezalel Smotrich, the chairman of the Religious Zionism party, has been dedicating considerable time to convincing Leitner to withdraw his candidacy. The primary concern driving these efforts is the fear of "wasted votes," where a party failing to cross the electoral threshold could siphon votes away from the broader right-wing bloc.
Despite Leitner's personal aspirations to serve as a Knesset member or minister, Netanyahu and Smotrich are reportedly offering alternative incentives to encourage his withdrawal. The very fact that these intensive negotiations are underway highlights the perceived strength of the Haredi Public party and Netanyahu's apprehension about losing thousands, potentially tens of thousands, of votes.
Sources indicate that progress has been made in the discussions, with potential developments expected soon. The Haredi Public party aims to represent a distinct Haredi constituency, differing from established parties like United Torah Judaism and Shas, and notably supports the conscription of Haredim into the IDF. However, recent polls suggest the party is currently polling below the electoral threshold, receiving less than one percent of the vote.
In response to the pressure, Moti Leitner stated, "We do not have the privilege to withdraw. We must not withdraw. We have a vast public that expects us to represent them. The momentum towards us is immense, we will be the surprise of the elections."
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