Haredi Politician Refuses to Withdraw, Declares Monopoly of UTJ and Shas Over

Moti Leitner, chairman of the "Hachareidi Public" movement, announced Wednesday evening that he will not withdraw his candidacy for the Knesset, despite significant pressure in recent days. Leitner stated that this pressure included requests from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he met with for an extended discussion. Leitner explained that while he heard the Prime Minister's proposal, he decided to continue his political race.

Leitner accused the established Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas, of maintaining a political monopoly over the Haredi public and failing to address its core issues. He claimed that leaders and emissaries from these parties have been issuing "severe threats" against his movement. Leitner presented his party as a political alternative for Haredim who he believes are currently unrepresented, including Torah scholars, Haredi soldiers, converts, immigrants, and women.

"I stand here as a representative of tens of thousands of invisible Haredim without a voice. These people cannot be bought," Leitner declared. He argued that withdrawing from the race would benefit the older Haredi parties without solving critical issues such as the draft crisis, education, or employment opportunities. "To give the same people the same power again and expect a different result is not a plan for change," he stated, emphasizing the need for new political power willing to act differently.

When asked about his party's chances of crossing the electoral threshold, Leitner expressed confidence, contingent on the support he sees on the ground translating into votes. He concluded his statement by firmly declaring, "I am not withdrawing. We are not withdrawing. We are running forward with all our might. We are building a new political home together, because the monopoly of United Torah Judaism and Shas has ended."