Haredi Party Chairman Refuses to Withdraw Despite Netanyahu's Plea

Moty Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, announced Wednesday that he will not withdraw his party from the Knesset race, despite significant pressure and a personal request from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Leitner stated that he represents tens of thousands of Haredim who lack adequate representation and suffer from "violent political monopolies" that hinder their ability to live with dignity.

Leitner revealed that he met with Netanyahu, who asked him to withdraw. He also claimed that leaders and envoys from the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties have issued severe threats against his movement. Leitner asserted that these established parties fear the Haredi Public Party's potential to disrupt the status quo and bring about change in the Haredi community and Israel as a whole.

He emphasized that the party's mission is larger than his personal role and aims to provide a voice for "transparent Haredim without a voice" who cannot be bought. Leitner argued that withdrawing would allow the "old system" to continue exploiting their votes and perpetuate poverty for tens of thousands of children. He specifically mentioned Torah scholars, Haredi soldiers, converts, immigrants, and women as groups who have been neglected or silenced by the current political establishment.

Leitner questioned whether withdrawing would genuinely solve issues like military conscription or improve economic opportunities for Haredim, pointing out that these problems have worsened despite the influence of United Torah Judaism and Shas. He concluded that a new political force is needed to achieve different results and that his party will continue its campaign with full force to build a new political home, signaling the end of the monopoly held by United Torah Judaism and Shas.