Ultra-Orthodox Parties React to Exit Polls Amidst Shas's Silence
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism reacted to exit poll results, with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issuing a written statement and UTJ leaders addressing supporters. UTJ declared victory despite poll numbers, while Shas awaits final results. The party "The Haredi Public" reportedly failed to pass the electoral threshold.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issued a written statement, awaiting final election results.
- United Torah Judaism leaders declared victory despite exit poll numbers.
- The party "The Haredi Public" reportedly did not pass the electoral threshold.
- UTJ's Moshe Gafni expressed concern over criticism of Haredi education.
- Yitzchak Goldknopf of Agudat Yisrael spoke of internal Jewish enemies.
- Moti Lightner of "The Haredi Public" maintained optimism despite poll results.
Following the publication of exit polls in the recent elections, the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) presented contrasting reactions. Shas, projected to receive between 6 and 8 seats according to various polls, saw its chairman, Aryeh Deri, issue a written statement rather than a public address. Deri acknowledged the discrepancies in the results, stating that Shas's internal data indicated a "very good result" reflecting extensive fieldwork. He instructed party activists to await the final results and rest, promising a better outcome on election day.
In contrast, senior officials from United Torah Judaism gathered at the party's offices in Bnei Brak. After an hour-long meeting, they emerged to address a small group of supporters. The new chairman, MK Yaakov Asher, alongside his predecessor Moshe Gafni, acknowledged disappointment with the poll numbers but declared it a "great victory" against those who had written them off. Asher stated he would not comment on coalition blocs until the final seat count was clear.
Moshe Gafni expressed concern over what he perceived as incitement against Torah students and Haredi education, referencing criticism from the Supreme Court and the Attorney General. MK Meir Porush asserted that Agudat Yisrael had proven its continued relevance with strong support from its communities, estimating over 300,000 votes for UTJ. Chairman of Agudat Yisrael, Yitzchak Goldknopf, spoke forcefully, identifying "Jews" as enemies alongside Arabs, and lamenting efforts to "annihilate us and the Torah." He did not rule out potential cooperation with the "Change bloc" but deferred such decisions to senior rabbinical authorities.
The party "The Haredi Public," which challenged the established Haredi leadership, failed to pass the electoral threshold according to the polls. Its chairman, Moti Lightner, attempted to maintain optimism, calling the night "the beginning of a long road" and a "victory" in the face of threats and opposition. He characterized the election as historic for the Haredi community, emphasizing their resolve to protect their children and way of life.
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