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 initiatives emerge demanding significant changes. These new parties advocate for democratic reforms such as primary elections, support for IDF enlistment among non-students, and the promotion of core secular studies alongside religious education. This shift reflects frustration over the established parties' failure to secure military exemptions and address the needs 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 from Bnei Brak who successfully formed an independent faction outside the existing Haredi parties. Elboim emphasized the party's commitment to primaries and direct accountability to voters, rejecting political appointments and nepotism. The party also introduced a council of community representatives to oversee its Knesset members, ensuring ongoing public involvement beyond elections. A poll commissioned by the party found that about 60% of Haredi opinion leaders support internal elections for parliamentary representatives.

Parallel to this, the Haredi Public Party, led by Moti Leitner, is campaigning to include representatives on the lists of the established parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, focusing on working Haredim and communities currently unrepresented. Leitner, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, advocates for mandatory IDF service for those not engaged in Torah study and supports integrating core curriculum studies. However, the established parties have not responded to these demands, and the new parties are expected to run independently.

Another emerging faction is the Achi Party from Netivot, led by Yuval Elimelech, a disciple of Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abergil. This party promotes core studies and uncompromising military enlistment for non-students, aiming to attract the traditionalist segment. Despite having a substantial base, the party faces challenges due to recent sexual harassment allegations against Rabbi Abergil.

Women’s representation remains absent in all three new parties, prompting grassroots activism. Recently, women in Bnei Brak set up a stand demanding female inclusion in politics, and an online initiative called "Haredi Women’s Primaries" seeks to raise awareness and select female candidates for the Knesset. These developments highlight a growing disconnect between Haredi politicians and their broader community.

While it remains uncertain if any of the new parties will surpass the electoral threshold, their emergence signals a clear demand within the Haredi public for alternative political representation and reforms in leadership and policy.