Sharp Clash Among Likud Members Over Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment and Party Influence

During the Likud primaries in Beit Shemesh, a heated confrontation erupted between two Likud activists over the contentious issue of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) enlistment in the IDF and the influence of the Haredi community within the party. The dispute arose amid the arrival of hundreds of Haredi members at the polling stations, raising concerns about their impact on the party's direction.

One activist, a religious Likud member, criticized the influx of Haredi members who do not necessarily vote for Likud in Knesset elections. Opposing him was a Haredi activist from the Gur Hasidic sect, a former combat soldier in the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, who actively encourages Haredim to join Likud. He argued that Haredi membership is a legitimate way to influence the ruling party, especially on issues like military service. He shared personal experiences, including the death of his brother in the Meron disaster, which motivated him to seek reforms through political channels.

The religious Likud activist accused the Haredi community of encouraging draft evasion by relying on welfare benefits and social exclusion rather than military service, despite state efforts to create army frameworks suited for Haredim. He emphasized that increasing Haredi enlistment is a long-term process requiring social integration and incentives.

The Haredi activist agreed on the need for gradual social change rather than coercion, highlighting the severe social and familial consequences faced by Haredi soldiers. He rejected the notion that Haredi members are "Trojan horses," asserting that their participation is a democratic choice based on candidates' positions.

The religious activist contended that past attempts to collaborate with Haredi parties failed, advocating for a broad, liberal government independent of ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, possibly partnering with figures like Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Yoaz Hendel. Meanwhile, the Haredi activist welcomed the growing Haredi influence within Likud as a means to reduce reliance on Shas and United Torah Judaism and to strengthen ties with the national camp. He stressed that voting behavior should not be judged by religious attire or community affiliation but by shared values.