Netanyahu Asks Haredi Party Leader to Withdraw from Election Race
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, requesting his party's withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections to prevent vote loss for the right-wing bloc. Lightner is considering withdrawal but demands support from ultra-Orthodox parties for any agreement. Discussions include a joint press conference and a government role for Lightner, but no consensus has been reached with elections days away.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Moti Lightner to withdraw his party from the election.
- Netanyahu fears Lightner's party could cost the right-wing bloc crucial votes.
- Lightner is considering withdrawal but requires backing from ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Proposals include a joint press conference and a government role for Lightner.
- No agreement has been reached as elections approach.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met late Tuesday night with Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, and asked him to withdraw his party from the upcoming Knesset elections. The meeting, held in Petah Tikva at the Prime Minister's office's request, was prompted by concerns within the Likud party that Lightner's party would not pass the electoral threshold. This could result in wasted votes that might otherwise go to the right-wing bloc, potentially hindering its ability to form a government.
Lightner has not ruled out withdrawing from the race but has presented conditions for such a move. Discussions between the Likud campaign team and Lightner's representatives have included proposals such as a joint press conference announcing the withdrawal and appointing Lightner as a project manager for Haredi sector affairs in the next government.
However, Lightner is demanding that any agreement receive the backing of the ultra-Orthodox parties. He fears that after the government is formed, these parties might obstruct the implementation of any promises made to him. Lightner emphasized to Netanyahu that practical steps cannot be taken until the ultra-Orthodox parties agree to support the reforms and initiatives Netanyahu pledged for the Haredi public.
Negotiations are ongoing with only a few days remaining until election day. No agreement has yet been reached regarding the Haredi Public Party's withdrawal from the election.
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