Netanyahu and Smotrich Hold Emergency Talks Amidst Falling Support for UTJ
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich held emergency talks due to high voter turnout in Arab and left-wing areas, causing concern for right-wing parties. United Torah Judaism (UTJ) fears losing Knesset seats, potentially needing 34,000 more votes than in the last election to maintain its seven mandates. New Haredi lists and high overall turnout could impact smaller parties' chances of passing the electoral threshold. Final results will be determined after polls close at 10 PM.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu and Smotrich held emergency talks over high turnout in Arab and left-wing areas.
- United Torah Judaism fears losing Knesset seats due to current voting trends.
- High national turnout is the highest recorded at this hour in decades.
- Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri expressed concern over complacency in Haredi strongholds.
- New Haredi lists may draw votes away from established parties like UTJ.
- Pollster Shlomo Filber believes high turnout may hinder smaller parties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich held an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon to coordinate efforts to increase right-wing voter turnout, as unusually high participation rates in Arab communities and left-leaning areas raised concerns.
The Likud party is reportedly worried about turnout in Arab communities and center-left strongholds, while United Torah Judaism (UTJ) fears a potential loss of Knesset seats. The high national turnout, reaching 44.9% by 2 PM, is the highest recorded at that hour in decades, a significant jump from the previous election. Specific data showed high turnout in Rahat (36.9%) and lower-than-expected rates in Haredi cities like Bnei Brak (28.4%) and Beitar Illit (28.3%), contrasting with center-left areas like Ramat HaSharon (around 35%).
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri publicly expressed his concern, noting long queues at polling stations in Bedouin towns and Tel Aviv, while observing complacency in Haredi and right-wing strongholds. He warned that UTJ might struggle to secure its seven Knesset seats if the current trend continues, potentially requiring an additional 34,000 votes compared to the 2022 election, where they received 280,194 votes.
UTJ's worries are compounded by the presence of two new Haredi lists, "Hacharedi Hatziburi" led by Moty Leitner and "Tzeva Shachor," which could siphon votes from the established parties. Pollster Shlomo Filber suggested that the high turnout could make it difficult for smaller parties, including those within the right-wing bloc, to pass the electoral threshold, potentially altering poll predictions.
Right-wing and Haredi parties are awaiting further updates, especially closer to the 10 PM closing of polls, to assess the final impact on voter distribution and seat allocation. The key question for UTJ is whether it can secure enough votes for its seventh mandate amidst internal criticism and new competitors.
Mentioned
