Right-Wing Voices Warn Haredim Against Leftist Alliance Post-Election
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Following inconclusive elections, right-wing Israeli politicians are warning Haredi parties against forming a coalition with the "change bloc," accusing the left of insincerity regarding the Haredi draft issue. Figures like Ofir Katz and Miki Zohar criticize potential alliances, while others, like Tuvia Smotrich, urge Haredim to question leftist motives. Commentators note the left's successful campaign on the draft issue, suggesting it exploited genuine concerns to achieve political goals. The article suggests the right has not offered practical solutions for Haredi community needs, which remain focused on preserving Torah study.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Right-wing Israeli politicians warn Haredi parties against partnering with the 'change bloc' post-election.
- Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz and Minister Miki Zohar criticize potential leftist alliances.
- Tuvia Smotrich urges Haredim to question the motives behind leftist offers.
- Commentators suggest the left's Haredi draft campaign exploited genuine concerns for political gain.
- The article notes the right has not offered practical solutions for Haredi community needs.
- Haredi parties' primary concern remains the preservation of Torah study.
Following recent elections that failed to produce a clear winner, a shift in political discourse has emerged, with right-wing figures strongly criticizing any potential partnership between Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties and the "change bloc" (a coalition of parties opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu). The primary concern voiced is the Haredi parties' potential collaboration with the left to regulate the status of yeshiva students, a move seen by the right as a betrayal of their principles and a tactic to replace Netanyahu.
Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz sarcastically listed perceived leftist positions, including support for Haredi draft exemptions and the end of Netanyahu's era. Culture Minister Miki Zohar directly addressed "change bloc" voters, suggesting their representatives are willing to compromise on campaign promises, including the draft law, to form a government. He also criticized potential partnerships with Arab parties, accusing them of supporting terrorism.
Tuvia Smotrich, brother of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, appealed directly to the Haredi public, urging them to consider the motives behind any offers from the left, contrasting it with the right's alleged "love" versus the left's "hatred." However, the article notes this argument overlooks the right's own past actions against the world of Torah study.
Likud candidate David Pater and Likud spokesperson Guy Levy echoed these sentiments, framing the left's overtures to the Haredi community as a predictable political maneuver to oust Netanyahu. Levy specifically criticized right-wing voters who were swayed by the Haredi draft issue during the campaign, calling them "useful idiots" of the left.
Political commentator Amit Segal and Aviad Avrahami, editor-in-chief of "Full Gas" magazine, also highlighted the discrepancy between pre-election rhetoric and post-election overtures. Segal criticized religious-nationalist figures who previously opposed concessions to the Haredim, only to see the left now proposing them as ideal partners. Avrahami described the Haredi draft campaign as the left's most successful ever, preying on genuine pain within the religious-nationalist community but ultimately serving a political agenda to divide the national camp.
The article concludes that while the right warns against leftist cynicism, it has yet to offer a concrete plan to address the Haredi community's concerns about the future of Torah study, which remains the community's primary consideration.
Mentioned
