New Haredi Party Challenges Old Guard's Political Tactics
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A new political party, "The Haredi Public," led by Moti Leitner, is challenging established Haredi parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. Leitner's platform focuses on integrating Haredim into the workforce and IDF and national responsibility, contrasting with the older parties' focus on maintaining political power and benefits. Established parties have reportedly asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to pressure Leitner to withdraw, but his campaign insists they will continue to the end, representing a significant social change.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moti Leitner's new party, "The Haredi Public," is challenging established Haredi political factions.
- Established parties allegedly asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to pressure Leitner to withdraw from the race.
- Leitner advocates for Haredi integration into the workforce and IDF, and national responsibility.
- The established parties focus on maintaining political power and securing benefits for the Haredi community.
- Leitner's campaign insists they will continue running, viewing their candidacy as a major social movement.
A new political movement, "The Haredi Public," led by Moti Leitner, is challenging the established Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, sparking a political battle that reveals a deep ideological divide. According to sources close to Leitner, leaders of the established parties have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to pressure Leitner into withdrawing from the race. These alleged pressures reportedly include threats, job offers, benefits, and political deals, employing tactics characteristic of old-style politics.
However, these efforts are reportedly failing because the established parties misunderstand Leitner's platform. While they focus on maintaining political power and securing benefits for the Haredi community from the state, Leitner advocates for a redefined role for Haredim in national responsibility. His vision extends beyond budget battles and exemptions to actively integrating Haredim into the workforce and the IDF, strengthening Israel's security, and fostering new relationships between the Haredi community and the broader Israeli society.
This difference in approach reflects contrasting leadership philosophies. The veteran parties view politics as a tool to manage their constituents' interests, whereas Leitner aims to use politics as a vehicle for transformative change for both his community and the nation. Leitner's movement seeks to give a voice and political representation to Haredim who wish to remain observant while also participating fully in Israeli society through work, military service, and national contribution.
Leitner and his supporters maintain they will not withdraw from the race, viewing their candidacy as a manifestation of a significant social movement rather than a mere political negotiation. They are committed to running until the end, confident they will be the surprise of the elections. The core question remains whether the old Haredi political establishment recognizes the depth of the societal shift Leitner represents, as stopping Leitner himself may be possible, but halting the change he embodies is far more difficult.
