New Ultra-Orthodox Faction Demands Shas Include Their Representative on Knesset List

The newly formed ultra-Orthodox faction, 'The Haredi Public,' is pressing the Shas party to include Rabbi Eliyahu Kalifa, a founder of the Hesder Yeshiva 'Metivta,' on its Knesset candidate list. This demand comes alongside their call for the inclusion of their chairman, Moti Leitner, on the United Torah Judaism list. The faction claims that tens of thousands of Sephardic ultra-Orthodox families feel unrepresented by the current political leadership, as their core issues remain unaddressed.

In recent months, representatives from various ultra-Orthodox communities and independent factions in local authorities have engaged in talks with senior leaders of the established ultra-Orthodox parties, seeking to secure representation in the Knesset lists. This push stems from concerns that the challenges facing the ultra-Orthodox sector pose a serious threat to its future in Israel.

Proponents of the initiative argue for the inclusion of younger, grassroots-connected leaders who have demonstrated practical problem-solving abilities. Due to a lack of progress in negotiations with the veteran political leadership, these community representatives have decided to unite tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox under a single political umbrella to strengthen their voice and representation.