Close Associates of Gadi Eisenkot Allegedly Involved in New Haredi Party Formation

A political report aired on Wednesday by Kan News political correspondent Shahar Glick revealed alleged involvement of close associates of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot in establishing a new Haredi political party called "The Haredi Public," targeting the liberal Haredi community. The report named Ronen Manlis and Ronen Aviani as key figures close to Eisenkot who were involved from the early stages in building the party's infrastructure and strategy. Aviani reportedly expressed private doubts about the party's ability to pass the electoral threshold. Additionally, Inbar Harush Giti, a candidate on Eisenkot's list, is said to maintain contacts with the party and some of its donors.

The report raised questions about Eisenkot's circle's role in the party and the potential impact of its participation on vote distribution within the Haredi electorate. Analysts cited in the report estimate the party is unlikely to cross the threshold, suggesting its candidacy could split the Haredi vote and cause a loss of seats.

In response, "The Haredi Public" party strongly denied the allegations, stating that Manlis, Aviani, and Giti never advised the party and called the claims defamatory. The party emphasized it was founded to represent tens of thousands of Haredim seeking representation, aligned with the right-wing bloc. They accused rival Haredi party operatives of spreading falsehoods out of panic over the right-wing bloc's potential weakening, urging focus on addressing core issues in the Haredi community.

This controversy highlights tensions within the Haredi political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, with the new party's role and Eisenkot's associates' involvement under scrutiny.