Ultra-Orthodox Reformers Vow to Continue Knesset Election Bid
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Moti Leitner, chairman of the new ultra-Orthodox party "Haredi Public," announced his party will contest the upcoming Knesset elections, defying pressure to withdraw. The party distinguishes itself with a moderate stance on conscription and by including women candidates. Despite low poll numbers, Leitner believes "hidden voters" will lead to a surprise victory, arguing that supporting his party represents a choice for Israel's future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moti Leitner, chairman of "Haredi Public," will continue his party's Knesset election campaign.
- The party is distancing itself from traditional ultra-Orthodox factions like Shas.
- "Haredi Public" supports mandatory IDF conscription for religious men and includes women candidates.
- Leitner believes "hidden voters" will cause his party to exceed the 3.25% electoral threshold.
- The prime minister's office reportedly tried to convince the party to withdraw from the elections.
Moti Leitner, chairman of the ultra-Orthodox party "Haredi Public," has publicly declared his intention to remain a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, rejecting any compromise on participation. This announcement follows reports of behind-the-scenes efforts by the prime minister to persuade the new political movement to withdraw from the race. The government is reportedly concerned about losing votes from the right-wing bloc, but Leitner stated that abandoning the campaign would mean betraying the trust of thousands of supporters.
"Haredi Public" has positioned itself uniquely within Israel's political landscape, distancing itself from traditional ultra-Orthodox parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. The party advocates for a more moderate stance on the mandatory conscription of religious community members into the Israel Defense Forces and has included women on its Knesset candidate list.
Despite current polling data indicating that the party's support level is below the 3.25 percent electoral threshold, Leitner expressed confidence that his list will be the surprise of the election. He attributed this to "hidden voters" who may be reluctant to openly declare their support due to fear of social pressure within the religious community. Leitner also dismissed critics' arguments that supporting a small movement equates to a wasted vote, asserting that the real loss of votes comes from adhering to the long-standing courses of traditional parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. He emphasized that his party represents a choice for the future of Israeli society.
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