Concerns Rise Over Infiltration Attempts in Likud Primaries Amid Growing Ultra-Orthodox Influence

The Likud party is facing internal tensions as thousands of ultra-Orthodox supporters join its ranks, creating a new influential power bloc. Yaakov Wider, head of the ultra-Orthodox faction within Likud and chairman of the party's Bnei Brak faction, sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding an investigation into attempts by activists from rival parties to infiltrate and manipulate the party's internal democracy ahead of the upcoming primaries. Wider warned of organized efforts to introduce "Trojan horses" who could sway the party list and establish an internal opposition against Netanyahu.

The surge in ultra-Orthodox membership, estimated at around 7,000 out of 140,000 Likud members, has evolved from local initiatives into a broad network spanning major Hasidic sects. Key groups include Karlin, led by Yossi Rozenboim and associated with rescue organizations like ZAKA and United Hatzalah, who emphasize issues such as education, life-saving services, and military conscription. Other sects involved are Sanz-Vizhnitz in Haifa, seeking direct government channels for municipal issues; Belz, represented by the Elboum family; the Kisei Rahamim community, led by Rabbi Tzemach Mazuz with ties to senior ministers; and the influential entry of the Gur Hasidim, led by Elazar Gordon and supported by figures like Moti Babchik.

This growing ultra-Orthodox bloc wields significant influence in the primaries, where candidates need about 25,000 votes to secure a spot on the list. A coordinated ultra-Orthodox voting bloc of 3,000 to 7,000 members can decisively impact candidate rankings. This influence is already visible in recommended candidate lists and party discourse, with prominent lawmakers such as Amir Ohana, Ofir Katz, Miri Regev, Yariv Levin, and Hanoch Milwitsky receiving strong ultra-Orthodox support. The faction also bolsters positions on issues like military exemption laws and respect for Torah scholars.

While the Likud welcomes ultra-Orthodox members, Wider's letter underscores the ongoing struggle over the party's identity and the risk of political exploitation by external actors. The ultra-Orthodox within Likud aim to establish a model of influence comparable to the settler lobby, becoming an integral part of the ruling party's mainstream. The party leadership is now urged to take immediate action to safeguard internal democracy and prevent hostile takeovers.