Close Associates of Gadi Eizenkot Involved in Launch of New Haredi Party Amid Denials

Ronen Manalis and Ronen Aviani, close associates of Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, were involved in the early stages of establishing a new Haredi party called "The Haredi Public," including helping to develop its strategic framework, according to a report by Kan News on Wednesday evening. The party, led by Moti Leitner, targets a liberal Haredi audience. Aviani expressed private doubts about the party's ability to pass the electoral threshold in upcoming elections. Inbar Giti, a candidate on Eizenkot's list, is also in contact with members and donors of the new party.

Manalis and Aviani primarily contributed during the party's foundational phase but later stepped back, with Aviani providing occasional strategic advice at key moments. However, Aviani denied any involvement in the party's formation, management, or funding, calling the report inaccurate and based on unverified information. The Haredi Public party also refuted the claims, stating that Manalis, Aviani, and Giti never advised the faction and accused the report of spreading falsehoods. The party emphasized it was founded to represent tens of thousands of Haredim seeking political representation aligned with the right-wing bloc, criticizing other Haredi parties for attempting to dismantle the right-wing alliance.

This development comes amid broader political shifts, including Michal Sela Forum founder Lili Ben Ami joining Yisrael Beiteinu, highlighting ongoing realignments within Israeli right-wing and Haredi politics.