Ben-Gvir Reveals Alarming Data on Haredi Voters, Launches Special Task Force
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed poll data showing 1.5 to 2 Knesset mandates of Haredi voters may cast ballots for parties failing to pass the electoral threshold, with tens of thousands more abstaining. In response, the party formed a special task force led by candidate Yossi Goldberger to target these "lost votes." Ben-Gvir urged disappointed Haredi voters to support Otzma Yehudit to influence the political landscape.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed polls showing 1.5-2 Knesset mandates of Haredi voters may vote for parties below the threshold.
- Tens of thousands of Haredi citizens are reportedly planning to abstain from voting in the upcoming elections.
- Otzma Yehudit has launched a special task force, led by candidate Yossi Goldberger, to target these potential voters.
- Ben-Gvir urged disillusioned Haredi voters to support Otzma Yehudit to remove Gali Baharav-Miara.
- The party stated it is not targeting voters following rabbinical directives to vote for established Haredi parties.
Otzma Yehudit Party Leader and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed concerning data from internal polls regarding the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector ahead of upcoming elections. Speaking to the Haredi press on Sunday, Ben-Gvir stated that surveys indicate between 1.5 to 2 Knesset mandates worth of Haredi voters intend to cast ballots for parties that will not pass the electoral threshold. Additionally, tens of thousands of Haredi citizens are reportedly planning not to vote at all.
Ben-Gvir expressed his concern over this phenomenon, urging Haredi voters not to "give a gift" to the current political establishment, specifically mentioning a figure named Gali Baharav-Miara. He appealed to those disappointed with existing Haredi parties to vote for Otzma Yehudit instead, framing it as a way to remove Baharav-Miara from her position.
In response to these findings, Otzma Yehudit has established a special task force focused on capturing these "lost votes" within the Haredi community. The party's candidate, Yossi Goldberger, ranked number 9 on the Otzma Yehudit list, has been appointed to lead this new unit. The task force aims to reach potential voters considering parties below the electoral threshold or those contemplating abstaining from voting.
Otzma Yehudit clarified that their efforts are not directed at voters who follow rabbinical directives to vote for established Haredi parties. Instead, they are targeting disillusioned voters from these parties who are considering smaller factions or not voting altogether. The party has been conducting home meetings and personal consultations with voters as part of its election campaign.
