Netanyahu Seeks Haredi Party's Withdrawal From Knesset Race
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to convince Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, to withdraw his party from the Knesset elections. The party's potential withdrawal is seen as crucial to prevent vote erosion on the right. Efforts include engaging influential Rabbi David Leibl and ongoing negotiations with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, which have reportedly included offers of a joint press conference and a project manager role for Leitner. However, the Haredi Public Party remains committed to participating in the elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Haredi Public Party chairman Moti Leitner to urge his party's withdrawal from the Knesset race.
- Political efforts are underway to convince the Haredi Public Party to withdraw, fearing it could siphon votes from right-wing factions.
- The Prime Minister's Office is seeking the support of Rabbi David Leibl, who has influence among party members, to aid the withdrawal effort.
- Negotiations between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Leitner reportedly include proposals for a joint press conference and a project manager role.
- Despite pressure, the Haredi Public Party maintains its intention to compete in the upcoming elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, in an effort to persuade him to withdraw his party from the upcoming Knesset elections. The party's participation could potentially draw votes away from right-wing and Haredi factions. Concurrently, political efforts are underway to secure the party's withdrawal. In recent days, Prime Minister's Office staff approached Rabbi David Leibl, seeking to arrange a meeting between him and Netanyahu. The goal was to enlist Rabbi Leibl's support in convincing the party to withdraw, though the meeting has not yet occurred. Rabbi Leibl has not publicly endorsed the party, while Leitner has expressed a desire for his support. However, Rabbi Leibl holds influence among some party candidates and senior members who consider themselves his students, making him a key figure in Netanyahu's office's strategy. Meanwhile, following a report about a meeting between Omer Rahamim and Leitner, Moti Castel reported on Channel 14 that accelerated negotiations are taking place between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Leitner. Proposals discussed include a joint press conference with Netanyahu and appointing Leitner as a project manager for Haredi sector affairs. Despite these intensive efforts by the Prime Minister's Office and other political actors, the Haredi Public Party insists on running in the elections until the end.
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