New Haredi Party Breaks Norms, Promises Independent Stance on Draft and Education

The newly formed Haredi party, "The Haredi Public," announced its intention to run in Israel's 26th Knesset elections, presenting an independent platform on key issues such as military conscription, core education, and employment. Party chairman Moti Leitner sharply criticized established Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, accusing them of aligning with extremist elements and failing to address the community's challenges effectively. Leitner stated, "A vote for them is a vote for the thugs of the Jerusalem Faction." The party highlighted the ongoing conflict between the Haredi society and the broader Israeli public, emphasizing that the current leadership prioritizes maintaining power over finding solutions. They pointed to the persecution of yeshiva students by authorities and the freezing of daycare budgets as examples of the community's struggles. The party warned that this confrontation could have disastrous consequences for both the Haredi community and the entire State of Israel.