New Haredi Parties Challenge Established Religious Factions Amid Calls for Reform

The Haredi community in Israel is witnessing growing dissatisfaction with the traditional religious parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, as new political movements emerge demanding significant changes. These new parties advocate for policies such as supporting IDF enlistment for those not engaged in Torah study, promoting core secular education, and implementing primary elections to select representatives. This political stir reflects frustration over the established parties' failure to secure military exemptions and their neglect of working Haredim and those seeking integration into broader society.

Recently, the "Kahal Party" was launched in Jerusalem, led by temporary chairman Shlomo Elboim, a city council member in Bnei Brak who successfully established an independent faction outside the existing Haredi parties. Elboim emphasized the party's commitment to democratic primaries, rejecting appointments and nepotism, and introduced a council of community representatives to oversee elected officials throughout their terms. A survey commissioned by the party indicated that about 60% of Haredi opinion leaders support internal elections for parliamentary candidates.

Parallel to this, the "Haredi Public Party," headed by Moti Leitner, is campaigning to include its representatives within the established parties' lists, particularly targeting working Haredim and underrepresented communities. Leitner, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, promotes IDF service for non-students and supports integrated secular studies. However, the traditional parties have not responded to these integration requests, and the new parties are expected to run independently.

Another emerging faction, "Achi," led by Rabbi Avragel's student Yuval Elimelech in Netivot, advocates uncompromising IDF enlistment and secular education, aiming to attract the traditionalist sector. Despite a strong base, allegations of sexual harassment against Rabbi Avragel may hinder the party's broader appeal.

Notably, none of these new parties include female Haredi representation, prompting protests such as a recent booth in Bnei Brak where women demanded political inclusion. An online initiative called "Haredi Women's Primaries" seeks to raise awareness and promote female candidates. These developments indicate a significant grassroots demand for political renewal within the Haredi community, though it remains uncertain if any new party will surpass the electoral threshold. Future alliances among these groups may form as they seek to reshape Haredi political representation.