New Haredi Parties Challenge Established Religious Bloc Ahead of 2026 Elections

The political landscape within Israel's Haredi community is undergoing significant change ahead of the 2026 elections. For decades, the ultra-Orthodox political scene was dominated almost exclusively by Shas and United Torah Judaism, with leadership positions held by the same figures for many years. However, three new parties have emerged, challenging the old establishment and appealing to a growing segment of disillusioned Haredi voters seeking alternative representation.

These new parties advocate for a more open approach, including support for IDF enlistment among those not engaged in Torah study and greater integration into the workforce. They target the "working Haredim" and those who support state-religious education rather than the traditional party-affiliated systems. The three main new initiatives are "Achi," led by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abergel, who openly supports IDF service but faces serious sexual harassment allegations; "Kahal," which promotes democratic primaries and grassroots leadership; and "HaTzibur HaCharedi," headed by Moti Leitner, focusing on quality-of-life issues in Haredi neighborhoods.

Adding complexity to the scene is Eli Yishai, former Shas chairman, who is considering a political comeback in alliance with "HaTzibur HaCharedi." Yishai’s more moderate stance on enlistment contrasts with current Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who is facing a crisis as Shas weakens in polls and struggles to balance between traditional voters and the more conservative yeshiva community. Deri’s recent confrontations with the military and failure to secure promised benefits, such as exemption from military service, have deepened dissatisfaction.

United Torah Judaism also faces challenges, particularly due to a recent court ruling limiting their ability to monitor voter turnout, which has historically helped maintain their electoral control. The broader question remains how these shifts will affect coalition dynamics after the elections, especially regarding the military exemption law and cooperation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many in the Haredi community feel unrepresented and are seeking new political homes, making the 2026 elections potentially transformative for ultra-Orthodox Israeli politics.