Netanyahu and Motty Babadzik Play a Strategic Double Game Amid Political Tensions

Motty Babadzik, a leading figure in the Gur Hasidic dynasty and Agudat Yisrael, appeared on Channel 14 in a show of apparent distancing and intimidation toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, this public display serves both parties strategically. Netanyahu seeks to reduce the electoral burden of his close ties to the ultra-Orthodox sector, while Babadzik addresses unresolved grievances related to the Gur Hasidic community.

For Netanyahu and the Likud party, the strong association with ultra-Orthodox demands has become a significant electoral liability, fueling protests and eroding support among liberal Likud voters. Creating some distance from ultra-Orthodox partners offers Netanyahu political breathing room ahead of the 2026 elections.

On Babadzik’s side, the Gur Hasidic community harbors a longstanding wound against Netanyahu. In recent years, Netanyahu actively tried to weaken the internal structure of the "Council of Torah Sages," aiming to dilute the influence of the Gur Rebbe by introducing additional forces into the council. Babadzik has not forgotten this attempt to undermine the core of the Gur community’s power.

Despite Babadzik’s right-wing rhetoric during the interview, his and the Gur community’s ideological commitment to core right-wing issues like land and settlement is limited, primarily serving institutional interests. The ultra-Orthodox public has shifted strongly rightward, compelling Babadzik to adopt a right-wing tone to maintain legitimacy within his constituency.

This complex interaction results in a delicate balancing act: Babadzik criticizes Netanyahu to restore honor to the Gur Hasidim and ease pressure on the ultra-Orthodox sector, while using right-wing language to retain street credibility. Ultimately, both Netanyahu and Babadzik benefit, Netanyahu appears to resist ultra-Orthodox pressure, and Babadzik maintains his community’s dignity, all while both acknowledge their mutual dependence.