Haredi Faction Considers Independent Run After Ultimatum to Shas and United Torah Judaism

Following the expiration of an ultimatum to Shas and United Torah Judaism, the new Haredi faction 'The Haredi Public' is contemplating running independently in upcoming elections. The faction, led by Motty Leitner, deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, is also engaging in advanced talks with right-wing parties and former minister Eli Yishai to secure political representation.

Sources indicate that recent attempts to negotiate a framework ensuring adequate representation for a broad segment of the Haredi community have failed. This community seeks real solutions on fundamental issues such as Torah study, dignified livelihood, vocational training, quality employment, and the future of their children. As a result, the faction decided to explore ways to guarantee their voice is not left without political address.

The faction emphasizes that their goal is not division but partnership, unity, and genuine representation. They stress that tens of thousands of Haredim desire a political home that addresses their needs and values responsibly and consultatively, without relinquishing their basic right to representation in the next Knesset.

A final deadline has been set: if no response is received by the coming Friday, Leitner will convene the faction along with dozens of community representatives, rabbis, and leadership for consultation with Torah sages to decide on the next steps. 'The Haredi Public' is a new political player in the Haredi landscape, led by 33-year-old Motty Leitner, who is married with four children and heads the 'Derech' faction in Beit Shemesh.