Haredi Party Chairman Vows to Recruit 12,000 Soldiers if Elected
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, stated his party is on track to enter the Knesset, citing internal polls showing 2-3 mandates. He vowed to help the IDF recruit 12,000 soldiers if elected, while also advocating for continued yeshiva student exemptions. Lightner acknowledged difficulties in surveying Haredi support due to fear of repercussions but believes tens of thousands will vote for his party.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi Public Party Chairman Moti Lightner vows to help IDF recruit 12,000 soldiers.
- Lightner claims his party is polling between 2-3 mandates and will pass the electoral threshold.
- He stated that Haredim who do not study Torah should enlist in the IDF.
- Lightner noted that Haredi voters fear public identification with his party.
- The party aims to integrate Haredim into civilian and security roles.
Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, expressed confidence that his party will overcome electoral pressures and surpass the 2% threshold to enter the Knesset. He stated in an interview with 103fm that their internal polls show them between two and three mandates, with a growing trend. Lightner acknowledged that accurately surveying support within the Haredi community is challenging due to voters' fear of public identification with the party, which he claims leads to threats and violence against supporters.
Lightner estimates that tens of thousands of Haredi individuals intend to vote for his party, seeking to take responsibility for their future and the state's. He also addressed the issue of Haredi conscription, stating, "Whoever does not study Torah must take responsibility and enlist. We will encourage them and respect them." However, he believes yeshiva students should continue to receive exemptions in the future, emphasizing that Torah study is crucial for their survival.
Responding to reports of the IDF needing 12,000 soldiers, Lightner declared, "The IDF says it is missing 12,000 fighters? We will get them." He asserted that integrating Haredim into civilian and security responsibilities is in the best interest of both the Haredi community and the state, urging them to take responsibility for Israel and participate in its economy and security.
