New Ultra-Orthodox Parties Challenge Establishment in Israeli Elections
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Two new ultra-Orthodox parties, HaTzibur HaCharedi and Tzeva Shachor, are challenging established parties Shas and Yahadut HaTorah in the upcoming Israeli elections. These new factions aim to represent disillusioned voters concerned about military service exemptions and the lack of general education within the ultra-Orthodox community. Leaders of the new parties criticize the traditional leadership for neglecting significant portions of the community. Established parties are mobilizing their base, with spiritual leaders emphasizing religious identity and loyalty to traditional parties.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- New ultra-Orthodox parties HaTzibur HaCharedi and Tzeva Shachor will compete in Israeli elections, challenging Shas and Yahadut HaTorah.
- The new parties focus on issues like military service exemptions and integrating general education for the ultra-Orthodox.
- HaTzibur HaCharedi aims to represent working ultra-Orthodox individuals and those seeking professional careers.
- Tzeva Shachor protests the government's failure to pass legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service.
- Traditional ultra-Orthodox parties are urging voters to remain loyal, citing religious identity and leadership guidance.
- The emergence of these parties could shift four to six potential mandates away from established factions.
Two new ultra-Orthodox parties, Tzeva Shachor (Black Color) and HaTzibur HaCharedi (The Ultra-Orthodox Public), are set to participate in the upcoming Israeli elections on October 27, challenging the established ultra-Orthodox parties of Shas and Yahadut HaTorah. These new factions aim to represent segments of the ultra-Orthodox community disillusioned with the traditional parties' failure to address key issues, particularly the status of yeshiva students regarding military service and the integration of general education subjects.
The HaTzibur HaCharedi party, led by Moti Laitner, is focused on advocating for working ultra-Orthodox individuals, professional education, and employment, asserting that the current political leadership exclusively serves yeshiva students and kollel members. Laitner criticized the established parties for their "corrupt monopoly" and "enormous power," stating that his party represents "tens of thousands of invisible ultra-Orthodox" who have been ignored.
Tzeva Shachor, on the other hand, protests the government's inability to pass legislation exempting yeshiva students from mandatory military service. This party opposes a bill promoted by traditional ultra-Orthodox parties, which some radical elements view as "selling the souls of Israel" by implicitly accepting conscription. Tzeva Shachor highlights the recent detentions of young ultra-Orthodox men as evidence of their vulnerability and the failure of the established parties.
Traditional parties Shas and Yahadut HaTorah are reportedly concerned about the emergence of these new parties, which could siphon off votes. Spiritual leaders like Rabbi Dov Lando and Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch are urging their constituents to vote for the established parties, framing it as a matter of religious identity and adherence to the guidance of Torah sages. Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef of Shas also addressed criticisms, urging supporters not to abandon the party, which he stated is crucial for the honor of Torah and Sephardic Jews.
Yaakov Chaim Miller, founder of Tzeva Shachor, believes his party can attract four to six "swing" mandates from disillusioned voters and aims to reach the Knesset, not just protest. He noted that traditional parties, which held 18 mandates in the previous Knesset, should have more due to population growth, indicating a loss of support. Even if Tzeva Shachor doesn't pass the electoral threshold, Miller believes securing 70,000 votes would send a strong message to the established parties about dissatisfaction with their handling of the conscription law.
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